Design

NOTES: This was Tecton's second commission for the Royal Zoological Society, the site consisting of a series of derelict ponds and a paddock. A dramatic design was needed to show off the antics of the penguins and this was achieved by two cantilevered ramps spiralling around one another without any intermediate support. The surrounding trees were kept and a cover provided around part of the elliptical structure to protect the penguins from the sun. The flat paths were coated with plastic rubber, the steps were of slate and the concrete ramps were kept wet by a revolving fountain. The structure was allowed under a clause in the London Building Act which exempted from the regulations buildings under a certain size which were not destined for human habitation and which were more than 30 ft from any other building. The pool had been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair after the Royal Zoological Society encountered strong opposition to its plans for major alterations in 1951. The pool was listed in 1970 and restored in 1988. The executive architects were Lubetkin and Drake. See RIBA132920 for a black and white version of this image.

NOTES: The original factory opened in 1927, but was remodelled in 1930. See RIBA133006 for a colour version of this image.

NOTES: The original factory opened in 1927, but was remodelled in 1930. See RIBA133007 for a colour version of this image.

NOTES: The original factory opened in 1927, but was remodelled in 1930. See RIBA133008 for a colour version of this image.

NOTES: The original factory opened in 1927, but was remodelled in 1930. See RIBA133003 for a black and white version of this image.

NOTES: The original factory opened in 1927, but was remodelled in 1930. See RIBA133004 for a black and white version of this image.

NOTES: The original factory opened in 1927, but was remodelled in 1930. See RIBA133005 for a black and white version of this image.

NOTES: See RIBA133446 for a colour version of this image.

NOTES: See RIBA133448 for a colour version of this image.

NOTES: See RIBA1334435 for a black and white version of this image.

NOTES: See RIBA133437 for a black and white version of this image.

NOTES: These warehouses were part of the Albert Dock, designed by Jesse Hartley in 1845. They were converted into an art gallery by James Stirling, Michael Wilford & Associates in 1988.