EVOLUTION OF DESIGN OF ILAM BUILDINGS

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30934, 15 December 1965, Page 18

EVOLUTION OF DESIGN OF ILAM BUILDINGS

“How did you get this ?” would be an inevitable question when the arts-library buildings of the university at Ham were compared with the school of engineering and science, the Assistant Government Architect (Mr J. R. P. BlakeKelly) told the University Council

The answer was that there had been marked changes in the concept of university buildings, in the financial situation, and in experience of those who planned. The Engineering School at the time, was regarded by some “higher up” as an “improved sort of technical school” and money was tight. The Science School was a “break-through,” as it was realised that the new University of Canterbury was the biggest building project in the country and £9 a square foot was allowed, compared with £5 a square foot The arts buildings benefited from a further change of heart and recognition that something different from the restrained lines of the others was called for. The idea of compacting the buildings toward Ham road

gave coherence to the whole, but this could also be a hinge for future development toward Clyde road, Mr BlakeKelly said. Within modest ground space courts, walks, and garden areas would encourage students and staff to pause for talk, but circulation of pedestrian traffic under buildings and on elevated walkways would not be impeded. “There is more punctuation in all this,” said Mr BlakeKelly, “and widespread use will be made of water in pools, ponds, and the natural streams of the property.” The Vice-Chancellor (Dr. L. L. Pownall) said that this design was not just useful and successful but exciting. All the buildings would mellow and combine. When Mr C. H. Perkins moved that the plans be approved, he said that this was the third notably important day in modern university history, as the two earlier design-approval days had been. He found the design pleasing, he said. There would be other opinions, whatever was planned. Mr G. Manning said he appreciated beyond words the physical lay-out, particularly the imaginative treatment of the Avon river, which would become as great an attraction at the university as It was in the city. Mr J. N. Matson questioned

the emphasis of board horizontal lines and spoke of problems of glare. Mr Blake-Kelly said that the model did not fully show treatment which would meet both points with vertical baffles, shades, broken facades, and other features. Professor N. C. Phillips regretted the protruding lift towers and suggested that space between might be filled with additional rooms. The architects said that this could be done, but they had “run out of square footage’* on the present brief. On the motion of Dr. Pownall the council agreed to seek a meeting with the University Grants Committee to negotiate a higher “conversion ratio” than usual for net and gross space. This would allow more 'flexibility for circulation and service areas.