October_1967 — Page 15

addition, of course, these ribs form beautifully decorative patterns on the ceilings below which are seen and specially illuminated in the main tow- er entrance lobby and the trade ex- hibition floor.

Professor Nervi also designed the tower's projecting fin-type "external columns. He decided that they should taper from bottom to top as the stresses in them reduce. To achieve this tapered form, precast external storey high 21⁄2 in. thick outer por- tions of the columns with integral finish were used as permanent forms for the insitu concrete of the inner part of the columns.

The exterior of the building is of white quartz exposed aggregate con- crete in white cement used for all

structural elements, columns and beams. Structurally inert spandrels and screens are of precast elements finished with darker reconstructed

stone.

Windows are double glazed with narrow venetian blinds between the outer heat-absorbing glass and the hinged inner pane. The space be- tween is permanently ventilated to the outside to reduce heat build-up. The glass is cleaned by a moving cradle suspended from the roof which also facilitates steam cleaning of the facade every few years to keep the tower's new look indefinitely.

Lighting

Particular attention was given to the artificial lighting of public areas in the building. Edison Price, a New York lighting consultant, designed special effects and fittings for the project. To illuminate evenly the 23 ft. high cir- cular core wall of the tower entrance lobby, the source of light is hidden within the Nervi floor ribs. It will be virtually invisible by the use of "darklight-wall-wash" units, but the effect will make the travertine cover- ed curved wall, containing the lift doors, glow with even light.

This illumination will also be used during the day to keep the entrance lobby bright. At night less light is needed for the same effect and dim- mers are used to reduce the intensity. This lighting will also bring into pro- minence the two huge French tapestries to be hung on the lobby core wall.

The first one, by the famed artist and architect, Le Corbusier, entitled “UNESCO", will be 12 ft. high and 22 ft. long and will hang opposite the main George Street entrance of the building. It is a brilliantly colour- ful abstract work, embodying the art- ist's unique free forms, almost organic shapes which characterise so much of his architecture and painting.

The other, by the renowned artist Victor Vasarely, will hang on the op- posite side of the lobby, facing the entrance from the main plaza, toward Pitt Street. Vasarely, one of the leaders of "Op Art", in his work "ORION M. C.", creates a scintillat-

Far East Architect & Builder October, 1967

Partitioning follows a strict system of radial and concentric module lines

A conference office showing faceted modu'e lines; induction unit grilles on the ceiling

ing geometric pattern of bright colours, circles, squares and ovals an arresting optical delight, which will dominate the base of the huge tower. The work will be 13 ft. high and

12 ft. wide and will be a complete contrast to Le Corbusier's free flowing forms and, with it, will exemplify two of the most significant art forms of the present time.

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