Abstract
An account is given of the planning, construction and occupation of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Brighton College of Technology. This College took over all the advanced studies of the Brighton Technical College and the paper describes the transfer of the old department and its establishment in a new building.
The organization of planning consultation between architects and College is explained and the position of the Department in relation to the whole College is shown. Schedules of accommodation indicate the floor areas available and the expected student capacity.
Description is given of the detailed design of individual laboratories involving work by all members of the teaching staff grouped in three sections dealing with Thermodynamics, Mechanics and Materials and Production Engineering respectively.
The preparation and finance of the schedule of equipment and the purchasing, supply and installation arrangements are explained. Economy made necessary the transfer of some existing equipment and the organization of removal and reinstallation is described.
A short description of the main features of construction of the building is given followed by details of services and furnishings. The final layout of the laboratories is discussed and criticized in the light of eighteen months' use.
The paper concludes with general comments which may prove of value to others undertaking similar tasks.
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