1875 – Board of Works Offices, Greenwich, London

Architect: Thomas Dinwiddy

0004

From The Architect, December 4, 1875: We illustrate, from the original drawings, a non-preminted design submitted by Mr. Thomas Dinwiddy. architect, in the recent Greenwich Board of Works’ competition. The plans will be seen to comprise on first-floor a lofty Board-room, 56 feet by 40 feet, the dimensions and situation (at back of the building) being in conformity with the special instructions issued to competitors. Separate entrances are provided for members, officers, and the public, for whom accommodation is provided in a gallery approached by a special staircase and external entrance. A lantern light in the centre of the fiat domical ceiling gives additional height, and well distributed top light at same time, facilitating ventilation.

Level with Board-room are two spacious committee-rooms, 36 feet and 20 feet long respectively, by an average width of 19 feet. An anteroom for waiting is shown as an alternative. The members’ staircase is handsome and well lit

The ground-floor is bisected by a broad corridor and hall throughout the building, well lit and ventilated at each end and midway from the grand staircase. On either side are ranged the required offices, all well-lit, spacious rooms, planned in relation to their respective uses.

A complete dwelling, containing five rooms, is provided for the office keeper within the general plan, although entirely distinct from the official compartments and with separate entrance.

A rapid fall in the site necessitated a basement, wherein are contained a strong-room, store-rooms, and cellarage, with reserve space available for letting.

The building was to be faced with picked stocks, with Portland stone dressings, and polished granite columns. The cost is estimated at7,OOW.

In this competition it appears the Board, having obtained twentytwo designs, declined to permit public inspection of the drawings, and objected to any professional aid in their selection, although Mr. Vulliamy, of the Metropolitan Board of Works, very creditably volunteered his assistance in the public interest and that of the profession.