POST-WAR WORK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 42, 20 February 1943, Page 5

POST-WAR WORK

PLANNING FOR FUTURE THE ARCHITECT’S PLACE . Wellington, Feb. 19. “With the anticipated completion of the defence programme, we can 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 ot members. “When vistory 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 thousand, commercial and civic buildings, recreation and health facilities. “The functions that distinguish the special province of the architecture! profession, are certainly those ot planning and co-ordination," Mr. Massey said. “On all organisation committees, the architect should take his rightful place. His training and experience and judgment are essential in making decisions in the realm* of building.

“Post-war work should be planned for now, in spite of some views to the contrary, and it is the architect's duty to ensure that the profession assumes leadership in the co-ordinating of co-professions of engineers, townplanners and others 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 regretted that at the present time their services have not been co-opted on the rehabilitation committee as at present constituted. “Apart from the normal construction of new buildings, a proper survey should be undertaken of the condition of existing buildings with a view to establishing their ability to withstand earthquakes," the president continued. “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 was taken the replacement or strengthening of existing structures should be a national undertaking. and architects should take the initiative in making the Government and people realise the dangers that were ever present in all the earthquake areas.