CITY BUILDINGS

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22005, 1 February 1937, Page 17

CITY BUILDINGS

PLANNING FOR MODERN NEEDS Various important factors in the planning of industrial and commercial buildings were mentioned in a paper by Mr M. E. Phillips, read at a meeting of the New Zealand Institute of Architects. "In this Dominion," he stated, "particularly outside of the main centres of population, we have in the past been more concerned with primary production and the buildings consequent upon such activities. • I know that in the centres, factories, some of considerable importance and a few of particular merit, have been erected, but generally our industrial buildings are no more than floor areas enclosed by walls, most of them innocent of any worked-out scheme for future extension, and far too many, instead of making their contribution of interest and even of beauty, are definite discordant features.

_ "Secondary industries are developing in this country, and it is possible for architects, with the confidence and goodwill of industrial building owners, so to guide the erection of factory and other similar premises that the maximum possible efficiency and economy may be gained, together with a high measure of esthetic value. "The advantages of maximum efficiency and economy are readily appreciated by all building owners, and it is gratifying to notice that the members of our profession are being more and more consulted as men of practical knowledge, not only in relation to the actual carrying out of the building proper, but in connexion with choice of site, most economical layout, materials of construction, co-ord-ination of plant requirements to structure, and predetermination of avenues of expansion. "It is not surprising that architects who in the* past have been by many looked upon as being more concerned with pretty drawings and cunning facades, are nevertheless well qualified to play a leading part in the production of industrial buildings, including the planning for highly technical machinery plant and processes of production, when we realise the training we now receive.

"We are constantly called upon in the ordinary course of our practices to incorporate in our buildings features of considerable technical intricacy, and must be prepared to Understand and apply the multitude of new inventions which each r are being introduced.

"Daily occupation with building materials familiarises us with their respective values under different circumstances, and together with the routi. j work of planning for economy and efficiency, we must feel ourselves qualified to undertake the planning and co-ordination for complex structures of an industrial nature, and must be prepared to study the manv details of production of the goods to be made in the building, and work hand in hand with works managers, plant contractors, etc., for the proper fulfilment of the factory requirements."