Conditions of Competition and Instructions to Architects

Progress, Volume VII, Issue 2, 1 December 1911, Page 901

Conditions of Competition and Instructions to Architects

Any officer in the Government service desirous of competing must prepare his designs entirely in his own time, at his own expense, and on his men premises, or at any rate not in the Government offices. 1. The design shall be for a building ■ the first portion of which shall be erected on a site between the present temporary Parliament buildings (late Government House) and the old Parliament buildings partly destroyed by fire. Plans of the site showing the position of these buildings are available for competitors, together with the conditions, on application to the Public Works Department and on payment of £l, which will be returned to ' those sending in designs. 2. The building is to be designed so that a portion, comprising hereinafter described in Schedule A may be erected without preventing the continued use of the present buildings for the meeting of Parliament. On the completion of this first portion, which must provide temporary corridor connection with the two above-mentioned buildings at points marked A and B, the present wood temporary Parliament building may be removed, and the second portion of the new building proceeded with at a future date, completing the accommodation as set forth in Schedule B.

3. The cost of the first completed portion, including lighting, heating, ventilating, but excluding furniture such as desks and scats in the Legislative Chamber, shall not exceed £IIO,OOO. 4. The design of each competitor must be illustrated by a plan of each floor, sufficient sections (at least three) on such lines as may show best the general internal arrangements and design, and by at least four elevations of the complete building, all drawn to a scale of Bft. equal to lin, A block plan will be required to a scale of IGft. to lin., showing the existing buildings in relation to the portion of the new building which is first to be erected and showing the portion or portions to be erected subsequently; also showing approach roads; and lay out of the site with reduced levels indicated by figures in circles at various points all over tire site. One sheet , of details of a part of the external main facade drawn to a scale of Inin, equal to Ift. BTrfspective drawings are optional, but same will not receive much consideration, and they must not be framed or glazed.

5. The drawings of the elevations and sections must be executed only with pen and ink without colour of any kind, excepting that a wash of colour may be applied on the plans and sections over the area of those portions of the building that are-to be erected at a later date. The elevations only may have at shadows of a light monotone east at an angle of 45 degrees with horizontal and vertical planes to . indicate projecting parts. The door and window openings and roofs may have a flat pale wash of ink or of the monotone. The walls on plans and sections must be filled in with black Indian ink only. The names of the particular rooms, with their respective measuremets, to be clearly indicated on each room.

6. Drawings must be on sheets of plain paper

without border, mounted on plain stretchers of one uniform size; not more than two drawings to be placed on each stretcher. 7. Each competitor must furnish, together with his plans, a typewritten report describing the building to be erected, stating the cubical contents from the floor of bottom storey to the wallhead, and adding the exact cubic contents of the roofs and tower, or towers (if any). The competitor must also give a comprehensive description of the materials proposed to be used., the method of construction, and the system of heating and ventilation; the estimated entire cost of the execution of the completed design; also the entire cost of the portion first to be erected must be mentioned in the report; the price per cubic foot at which the competitor has estimated the various portions of the building, such cost including heating, ventilation, electric light, and other works structural as well as mechanical, necessary to fit the building for the reception of furniture, and the efficient fulfilment of its purpose.

8. Each set of drawings and relative documents must be sent in anonymously, accompanied by a sealed envelope containing only the author’s name and address, and a statement that the design is the author’s own work, or was prepared by assistants working under his immediate supervision. When unpacked the contents will be marked for identification; but no distinguishing mark, motto, or device is to be put on the drawing, description, envelope, or case by the competing architects or their agents. 9. The designs must be sent in, carriage paid, addressed to the Hon. the Minister of Public Works, Wellington, on or before the 31st July, 1911. Each package must be marked “Design for Proposed Parliament Buildings.” 10. Premiums as follows will be awarded for the four best designs: To the design placed first, £1000; to the design placed second, £500; to the design placed third, £300; and to the design placed fourth, £200; but no competitor shall be awarded more than one premium. Should any of the . four best designs be the work of Civil Servants no premium will be awarded for such design (or designs), but in such case the Civil Servant concerned will be granted a bonus of an amount equal to the premium offered for such design. 11. A commission of 5 per cent, shall be paid to the author of the design awarded first place, provided his design is selected for execution and that he is appointed architect of the building, such commission to be calculated on the total cost of all the works designed, prepared for contract. and supervised by the architect. The commission shall include the preparation of working drawings, details and specifications in duplicate, the supervision of the work, travelling expenses, and all services usually rendered by architects. No commission or other fee shall be charged to or accepted from the contractor for supplying him with copies of the plans, etc., but such copies as may be necessary shall bo furnished by the Department free of charge, as is usual in the case of Government contracts. The Government reserves the right to .adopt or reject any of the designs for execution, to dispense with the architect’s supervision, and to carry out the works under the supervision of its own officers, in which case only 2% per cent, commission shall be paid the architect in full settlement for all services rendered in ' the preparation of working drawings, detail drawings, and specifications in duplicate, and for all services usually rendered by architects, excepting only the supervision of the works. In the event

of a design prepared by a Civil Servant being selected for execution no commission whatever will be paid. 12. The architect whose design .is selected may be called, upon to make any modification or alteration in his plans that the Government may desire before tenders are invited for carrying out the work, and any variation in the cost arising out of such modification or alteration shall be added to or deducted from his estimate, and the acceptance of such design shall be subject to a bona fide tender from a reliable contractor or contractors being obtained for carrying out the work within 10 per cent, of the established sum so arrived at. 13. Every care will be taken of the designs and drawings received, but the Government will not bo liable for any damage that may occur to them - while in their custody or in transit. The premiated designs will remain the property of the Government, but the others will be returned to their respective authors, carriage paid. 14. All the designs received m conformity with the _ conditions and instructions may be publicly exhibited after the award is made. 15. Competitors are left absolutely free as to architectural style; but the efficient lighting, heating, and ventilating of the interior of - every part of the building will be considered of primary importance. IC. In planning the suites of rooms .to be occupied by Ministers, Speakers, Leader .of the Opposition. Clerks of Parliament, and other officials of the two Houses, it is recommended that they be placed as far as possible with a sunny aspect.

1/. It is advisable that the Library should be planned so that as many books as practicable within the limits of cost shall be in -one large hall, top-lighted, and having galleries round the walls with book-shelves. The object of this arrangement is to permit of easy supervision from a central office having glaezd walls situated on the floor in the centre of the . apartment. The Library should also be planned so that it will be possible to make future extensions. 18. The building must be designed so as to afford reasonable resistance to fire and earthquake shocks, and provision must be made for the use of materials best adapted for these conditions. Schedule A of Accommodation to be provided in First Portion. Apartments will be required for tire House of Representatives, as follows:—!. Chamber t 0 accommodate at least 100 members, to be surrounded by wide lobbies, ' having provision for bookshelves; desks, with drawers, to be shown for each member, arranged with scats as far as possible in pairs. 2. Galleries around the Chamber as follows: (a) Public Gallery; (b) Speaker’s u allcry; (c) • Gallery for Members of the Legislative Council; _ (d) Ladies’ Gallery; (e) Gallery for wives of Ministers, etc.; (f) Press Gallery, to seat about twenty persons in the front row (thirty inches of space to each), wRh further seats and desks in. a back row, the desks to be twenty-one inches wide and to bo provided each with a lock-up drawer and continuous narrow shelf under. This gallery to be entered as mentioned below. 3. A Press'writingroom large enough to comfortably accommodate twenty correspondents at one time and fitted with at least twenty lockers for Bills and Papers; and access to the Press Gallery should, if possible, be through this room only and direct without intervening corridor. 4. A Press supper-room, about equal in size to the writing-room. 5. Speaker’s rooms, as follows: (a) Office; (b) Sitting-room;

(c) Bedroom; (d) Bath-room, W.C., etc.; (e) Messenger’s room. G. Chairman of Committees: (a) Office; (b) Dressing-room. 7. Clerk: (a) Office; (b) Dressing-room, S. Clerk Assistant: (a) Office; (b) Dressing-room. Serjeant-at-arms: (a) Office; (b) Dressing-room. 10. Second Clerk Assistant and Record Clerk, (a) One large office, and (b) room adjoining for Press to peruse papers. (5, 6,7, 8,9, 10 should be as close to the Chamber as possible.) 11. Bill and Paper Office: Large room near Chamber with Members’ lockers inside in room and outside in lobby. 12. Reader (also Clerk of Bills and Papers): One room, adjoining Bill and Paper Office. 13. Chief Messenger: (a) Office; (b) Stationery Store-room. 14. Messengers: (a) Large room (waiting) for twenty-five Messengers; (b) Large dressing-room. 15. Orderlies: Waiting-room for six near entrance. 16. Leader of Opposition: Large office (one room). 17. Government Whip’s Office: One room. 18. Opposition Whip’s Office: One room. 19. Ladies: (a) One room near Gallery; (b) One dressing-room, lavatory, and W.C. near Gallery; (c) One waiting-room near entrance. 20. Strangers. (a) Waiting-room near entrance, (b) Two waiting-rooms near Committee-rooms. 21. Interpreter: Office (one room). 22. Maoris: Large waiting-room with a separate outside entrance, and separate lavatory and W.C. accommodation. 23. Members’ writing-rooms (four rooms). 24. Joint Committee rooms (two), about 25ft. by 18ft. 25. Committee-rooms (four), averaging about 24ft. by 16ft. 26. Chief of Hansard Staff (one room). 27. Hansard Staff: Large room. 28. Hansard Supervisor: One room 29. Assistants to Supervisor: One room. 30. Committee Reporters: One room. 31. Committee Clerks: Large room. 32. Typistes: One room. 33. Indexer to Hansard: One room 34. Store-room for charwomen and cupboards. ■ Apartments will be required for Legislative Council, as follows. 1. Chamber, with seating accommodation for not less than sixty members, on similar lines to that for the House of Representatives.. 2. Galleries around Chamber: (a) For Public; (b) Speaker’s Gallery; (c) Ladies’ Gallery; (d) Wives of Members; (e) Wives of Members of House of Representatives; (f) Hansard; (g) Press; (h) Gallery for Members of the House of Representatives. 3. Speaker’s Rooms (two): (a) Office; (b) Private room. 4. Chairman of Committees: Office. 5. Clerk of Council: (a) Office; (b) Dressing-room. 6. Clerk Assistant; (a) Office; (b) Drossbig-room. 7. Second Clerk Assistant and Extra Clerk: One large room. 8. Members’ Rooms: (a) Sittingroom; (b) Smoking-room. 9. Waiting-rooms (two): (a) Gentlemen; (b) Ladies. 10. Messengers: One large room for five persons. 11. Private Bill Office': Conveniently placed common to both Houses and with an access from outside of the building as well as from within. It is desirable to have a small waiting-room in connection with this office. 12. Record-room (fireproof). 13. Messengers’ dressingroom, divided into two by screen partition. 14, Han sard-room. 15, Stationery rooms and cupboards.

Ministers’ Rooms, Members’ Lobby, Etc.

1. Provision must be made for suites of rooms for, say, eight Ministers, each suite to consist of (a) a room at least 22ft. by 16ft.; (b) a secretary’s room at least 16ft, by 12ft.; (c) a waitingroom about I,2ft. by 10ft.; and (d) a typists’ room about 12ft. by 10ft. Messengers’ rooms (two) convenient to the Ministers’ rooms. 2. A cabinetroom about 30ft. by 20ft.., with secretaires’ rooms (two), each about 16ft. by 12ft., and a large typists’ room for four persons, and a waiting-room to be used also as a messengers’ room. 3. A spacious lounge-lobby common and convenient to both Houses must be provided, which shall be heated by two large fireplaces in addition to any other means of heating. 4. A room about 20ft. by 15ft., to be used as post and telegraph office, to be provided convenient to the lounge-lobby and entrance hall. The necessary lavatory and w.c. accommodation to be provided; also eight baths with hot and cold water for the use of members.

Schedule B of Accommodation to be provided in Future Extension.

Apartments will be required for Bellamy’s, as: follows: —1. Dining-room, to seat 200. 2. Barroom, with counter (not in dining-room). 3. Room for officer in charge. 4. Room for Clerk. 5. Pantry and serving-room (one large room). 6. Dry store-room. 7. Strong-room. 8. Cellar for wines and beer. 9. Billiard-room for at least two tables. 10. Kitchen. 11. Pantry-room. 12. Scullery. 13, Store-room. 14. Vegetable-room. 15. Larder. 16. Coal and wood room. 17. Cool-room, 18. Servants’ dining-room. 19. Chief Cook’s office, adjoining

kitchen. 20. Bedroom for chief cook. 21. Bedroom (one) for sculleryman and man servant. 22. Bedroom (one) for second and third cooks. 23. Bedrooms (four) for eight men. • 24. Bathrooms and lavatories. 25. Glass and crockery-room (large). 26. Linen and towels room (large). 27. Cleaning-room for silver. 28. Fruit-room (small). 29. Cigar-room, with gas fire.

Library Accommodation.

1. Provision must be made for at least 100,000 volumes, allowing seven volumes to the lineal foot of shelving. The steel shelving in the existing Library is about 7ft. din. high, including plinth and cornice, and provision should be made for reusing it. As already mentioned, it is desirable to have as many of the books as possible in one large hall. In the centre of this hall there will be an office, the balance of the floor-space being taken up with tables, chairs, and lounges. An electric book-lift to be provided, connecting galleries with the floor of room. 2, A newspaper room with filing-shelves all round. 3. Chief Librarian’s room, at least 24ft, by 15ft. 4. Assistant Librarian’s and Cataloguer’s room (one), 15ft. by 15ft. 5. Librarian’s staff room, say 24ft. by 15ft. All the above rooms must be on the principal floor and adjacent to or off the large hall. The following may be in the basement: —6. Packing and storingroom. adjacent to the book-lift. 7. Boom for brooms, parcels;, etc., etc. 8. Binder’s workshop. 9. Room for maps and charts. A large storage space not less than an area equal to SOft. by 50ft., which may be in a basement, is required for storing bound newspapers and books that arc fallen out of frequent requirement.

Committee Rooms. —

10. Eight Committee-rooms, of dimensions as stated in Schedule A. 11. One or two additional Ministers’ rooms, with secretary, typist, and waiting-rooms adjoining, as stated in Schedule A.

12. A number of rooms of moderate size, not less than six nor more than ten, to be provided for members’ use. .13. Law Draftsman and assistants: Pour rooms to be provided. 14. The necessary lavatory and w.c. accommodation to be provided. 15. Four more Committee-rooms, under either Schedule A or Schedule B. e McKenzie. Minister of Public Works. Public Works Office,. Wellington, 17th February, 1911 . Note.— designs will be judged and the awards made by a competent professional man practising outside the Dominion, who will report to, and, if necessary, confer with a Committee to be appointed by the Government.