THE NEW UNION BUILDINGS. 151 



instance, daily provision in office accommodation is necessary for 

 some 1,000 persons, with extensive archive room. As to cover- 

 ing, the requirements are, — resistance to the elements, the great- 

 est simplicity compatible with dignity, and recognition of climate. 



As will have been realised from my previous remarks on 

 plan, the structure is comprised in two practically rectangular 

 blocks, connected with a semi-circular colonnaded block that en- 

 closes an open-air amphitheatre. By reason of the contour of 

 the surface, and the disposal of the accommodation, the central 

 portion appears one-storied on a lofty basement ; while the flank- 

 ing blocks exhibit three main floors and a basement. 



Taking the public roadway as the baseline, the structure has 

 a height of 6i feet to the eaves, and of a further 12 feet to the 

 ridge. With the exception of the two towers already referred 

 to, and a few chimneys, there is no break in the horizontality of 

 either eaves or ridgeline throughout the entire length of eleva- 

 tion. The Ionic order prevails, but considerable liberty has 

 been taken in regard to the entablature, particularly in the 

 omission of the frieze. 



The interest of the architectural treatment externally is- 

 mainly, in the eastern and western blocks. Being of administra 

 tive nature, the demands for fenestration have been heavy, yet 

 amid the variation of window head (level, segmental, shouldered 

 segmental and semi-circular), there is throughout reserve, and, 

 almost without exception, single-wall openings prevail. Double- 

 shafted windows, however, occur at the centre of the upper tiers, 

 while some distinctive features are bestowed upon those of the 

 rooms of the several Ministers. 



As in matter of plan, so, elevationally, expression is given 

 to the subsidiary axial lines of these respective blocks. North- 

 ward the long stretch of continuous surface is emphaticallv 

 broken above the ground floor with recessed double-columned 

 bays, 60 feet in width. Southward the feature is a main en- 

 trance porch, that (the reverse to the northern feature) gives a 

 touch of lightness. Somehow, as Britishers, we are not natur- 

 ally strong in the mastery of the entrance, compared with other 

 European peoples, and more of the modern Greek assertiveness, 

 for instance, might more generally be applied with advantage. 

 However, with convex steps at the public roadway level, and the 

 passing through the massive retaining wall, these multi-columned 

 porches, with a concaving of the central portion of the entabla- 

 ture, and granite (black, grey and red) entering into shafting, 

 steps, and paving, confer the emphasis of entrance in a striking 

 manner. And reference should be made to a loggia'd 

 frontispiece screening the window immediately over this porch, 

 and bearing the Royal Arms, as being the only break in the 

 long stretch of upper fenestration that lies between the end 

 pavilions ; except that a single window centrally on either side 

 is pedimented and possesses a balconette. 



* In contrast to th3 repose, and consequent tranquillity, of the 

 lateral portions of these blocks, the projecting extremeties pos- 

 sess exceptional boldness of treatm.ent. Instead of wall-surface, 



B 



