Architecture
Goldfinger, Peter (27 of 33) National Life Story Collection: Architects' Lives
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Type
sound
Duration
0:26:40
Shelf mark
C467/44
Subjects
Architecture
Recording date
1999
Recording locations
Interviewee's home, London and the British Library
Interviewees
Goldfinger, Peter, 1933- (speaker, male)
Interviewers
Courtney, Cathy (speaker, female)
Abstract
Part 27: PG’s feelings as consultant vis-a-vis the client, position of consultant in design team. Compares with system in America. Why appalled by system in UK on return here. How system works between client, architect, contractor etc. Difficulties for engineers in fighting with architects for space for their installations. Mistakes made by architects due to bad training. Quantity surveyor another member of design team. Difficulties with latter if not consulted from outset, explains. Work for hospitals, details of all different people involved and their needs. Best results when one person responsible, Metal Box Co. at Reading a good example, explains. Some architects consider a beautiful building more important than non-functioning air-conditioning plant. PG’s experience of litigation once in his lifetime, very painful. Details of casino project in basement of Kensington Palace Hotel, what went wrong, who responsible. Tests which should have been done on chilled water system etc – details. Dealing with clients, resultant anger. PG’s work with Drury Lane Theatre, details. Theatre, car park, flats, shops. Client’s architect Raymond Sprattley found site. Two Yugoslav theatre designers, Sean Kenny and ? Percival. W.V.Zin Structural Engineers responsible for underground garage, theatre and flats on top. Some details of structure. Revolving stage in theatre and details of unusual air-conditioning system. Function of cooling-towers, details of how they work. PG’s research in German theatres, Berlin Opera House in particular, type of air-conditioning there. Rise of acoustic experts to advise on muffling sound of air-conditioning system
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