Crystal Palace
notes.
- The consortium realizes that industrialization of parts will permit multiple uses for
parts.
- All the 24’ span conditions are done in cast iron. This allows for multiple,
intricate detailed forms. Cast iron works well in compression but does not work as well in
tension.
- In the 48’, and 72’ spans wrought iron components compose the tensile members
with cast iron forming the more complicated and connection parts.
- A vault condition is made over the main cross nave of the building.
- The plan of the building is adapted to conserve trees on the site. The configuration of
the width is manipulated to skirt the trees
- The grove of the trees in the center forces Paxton to make a vaulted center piece to
enclose the tall trees.
- Wooden sash bars and gutters are made through a form of router, a subtractive method.
- Wooden components are painted by dipping the piece in a vat of paint then passing the
piece through a opening of paint bristles removing any excess paint.
- Job fence is later used as flooring for the building.
- The floor boards are spaced about ¼" apart and elevated above a crawl space. This
allows dirt and dust to be swept through the gaps.
- As trusses arrive on site, they are load tested.
- The frame of the building is used as staging or craning mechanism to hoist other
components.
- Glazing pieces of the roof are put in with the assistance of a ‘glazing cart’
that runs along the gutter piece.
- All the ironwork is painted by hand post construction in order to satisfy the client.
- A separate building is created to contain steam producing engines. The building is made
of the same components as the actual exhibition building itself. It becomes a secondary
transformation made from the same kit of parts.
See additional Lecture notes. |
