POST-WAR BUILDING

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 66, Issue 5600, 2 April 1943, Page 6

POST-WAR BUILDING

PREPARATIONS FOR FUTURE GOOD PLANNING DESIRED “With the anticipated completion of the defence programme, we can, 1 venture to predict, expect a relaxing of the present rigid control .over certain types of structures,” said Mr Horace Massey, president of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, at the annual meeting of members recently. “When victory is won, there will indeed be much leeway to be made good. The demand for construction of all kinds will exceed anything we have known in this country before. Houses by the thousands, commercial and civic buildings, receation and health facilities for a greater population which this country needs and should plan for. “In a broad way, public opinion is aroused to a need for better planning after the war. Many people hope that the freedom for which we are fighting will bring better living conditions and advantages to all. Rehabilitation committees are doing more than just worrying about it. “There must, and will, be provision for health and welfare centres, new types to serve vocational education, groups of buildings combining the function of school, library and recreational centres for children and adults.

Building with Vision “If we are to build for future prosperity and a cleaner and better world, we must build with Vision. Architect and scientist, engineer and builder, must co-operate. The ordinary man and woman must see that this co-operation is applied intelligently so that we may build a nation in which everyone can live in contentment. Makeshifts will no longer satisfy. Old-fashioned buildings converted into flats or offices, old sheds turned into factories, must be swept away. Modern constructional methods and new materials must be adopted in new buildings. •An environment of perfect cleanliness and contentment of occupants must pervade all buildings, whether industrial or residential. But, however excellent are the plans worked out by the scientific planners, they will eventually depend for effectiveness on public acceptance. “The functions that distinguish the special province of the architectural profession are certainly those of planning and co-ordination: On all organisation committees, the architect should take his rightful place. His training and experience and judgment are essential in making decisions in the realms of building. “Post-war work should be planned for now, despite some views to the contrary, and it is the architect’s duty to ensure that the profession assumes leadership in the co-ordin-ating of co-professions of engineers, town-planners an dothers in planning for future building of our towns and suburbs. Architects should claim this right and find a prominent place on all Rehabilitation Councils and Committees. It is to be regretted that at the present time their services have not been co-opted on the Rehabilitation Committees as at present constituted. Survey Should be Undertaken “Apart from the normal construction of new buildings, a proper survey ’ should be undertaken of the conditions of existing buildings with a view to establishing their ability to withstand earthquakes. It is not the new structures that are being built or are to be built that cause the injury and loss of human lives, but the old buildings which were not designed to withstand such shocks. This has been clearly proved by the recent severe earthquakes in various parts of the country. “Once the survey is taken out the replacement or strengthening of existing structures should be a national undertaking and we, as architects, should take the initiative in making the Government and the people realise the dangers that are ever present in all the earthquake areas. Since the recent earthquakes in Wellington and elsewhere it is worthy to note that the Institute, realising its responsibility, has had a report prepared which is being circulated to Government departments and all institutions throughout the Dominion. This report should be of great value and be a means of stressing the urgency of undertaking protective measures. “In New Zealand we have the talent, and we must see that it is used for the full benefit of the community.”