Description
Book SynopsisThis book is the most thorough study yet undertaken of the headquarters building of the Institution of Civil Engineers in Great George Street, London, SW1. It considers how the building visually represents the authority of the profession and discusses not only the architecture and technology of the building but also the social relationships that underpin the structure. Few headquarter buildings associated with the professions have been subject to serious historical study; in effect they are anonymous buildings passed by each day almost without comment. The aim of this study is to show that such buildings have a story to tell, that they and their contents are more than just 'mute objects' but give valuable insights into the organisation occupying the building. The Great George Street building, which was constructed over a thirty-seven month interval from 1910 to 1913, is surprisingly barely mentioned by architectural historians and received only briefest acknowledgement in the building press of the day.The story has relevance to all those other professional associations that occupy a large headquarters building or council chamber and anyone who is interested in architecture and construction history.
Trade Review'...an equally worthy, companion piece. ...covers the planning, design and construction of the ICE's headquarters. ...there are some gems... One Great George Street is about bricks and mortar and plaster and steel, but one man in particular shines through. Driving the rebuild was Sir William White...' Civil Engineering Surveyor
Table of ContentsIntroduction; Appointment of the Architect; Choosing the Builder; The Technology of the Building; The Appearance of the Building; The Interior; Loose Ends; Conclusion; Bibliography. Index
