Rebuilding the Houses of Parliament : David Boswell Reid and disruptive environmentalism

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Cover Endorsement Page Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents List of Figures Acknowledgements Foreword Preface Introduction Part I The experimental phase: 1835–39 Chapter 1 The origins of an empirical approach to design: 1832–36 Illusions of unity The roots of separation between architectural and environmental strands Drawing on the skills of a medical doctor A laboratory for the practice and teaching of building science Reid’s hypothetical scheme for a debating chamber The idea of testing Reid’s concept A first demonstration of Reid’s principles within a physical model Architectural responses to the requirements of light and air From theory towards the experimental phase Notes Chapter 2 Reconstructing the temporary Houses of Parliament: 1835–51 Introduction Reid’s experimental system in the temporary House of Commons Operation and maintenance under the stewardship of a scientist, 1837–51 Intelligent control through 19th-century technology The Temporary House of Lords and the creation of an extended network, 1839–47 An extended operational regime, 1839–40 Conclusion: from theory to practice Notes Chapter 3 Testing the theory under real-life conditions The debating chamber as a field for experimentation A first public demonstration: November 1836 First criticism inside the House Reid’s idea of integrated lighting system remains unrealised Reid’s principles challenged Goldsworthy Gurney’s intervention Evaluating the performance of Reid’s system The House of Lords and the challenge with sustaining a social feedback loop Conclusion: an emerging model of evidence-based practice Notes Part II Attempted application: 1840–46 Chapter 4 A tentative master plan for ventilating the Palace of Westminster The paths convergence The appointment of the ‘ventilator’ Transition: embedding the cultural practices of science Formulating a general design concept: 1840–41 Defending the idea of a central tower: 1841–42 Monumental versus technical functions A final decision and the acknowledgement of risks Establishing collaborative working practices: 1841–42 The organisational architecture of a collaborative design process Conclusion: a transition towards synthesis Notes Chapter 5 Reid’s original proposals for the two debating chambers: 1842–46 From concept to implementation A problem of strategic planning A mandate for physical change The stack ventilation system as a driver of wider changes Increasing political pressure The ventilation system as a driver of structural intricacy The House of Lords and Reid’s original plan for a central air supply Personal and collectivist approaches to thermal comfort Integration of the ventilation system into the interior architecture: 1844–46 Reconciling tensions between Reid and Barry Questions of architectural integration Contested responsibilities Revisiting the mechanisms of collaborations: 1845–46 The final inquiry: 1846 Technical feasibility of system is challenged The Lords’ final verdict Bicameral split – divisions between the Houses Conclusion: revisiting Reid’s role Notes Part III Realisation within new borders: 1847–54 Chapter 6 Barry’s system in the House of Lords: 1847–54 A palimpsest of two schemes The anatomy of Barry’s system: 1847–54 ‘Airs from heaven’ vs ‘blasts from hell’ Reid’s temporary shaft becomes a permanent feature: 1846–51 Facilities management: the architect remains firmly in control Monitoring and control procedures Control regime of Barry’s system: 1847–54 Post-occupancy history: 1847–54 Technical adaptations: 1847–51 The Lords’ perception of the internal environment System diagnosis Body heat and gas light Inquiries into treatments Conclusion: the end of an evolutionary path Notes Chapter 7 Towards an independent system for the House of Commons Introduction: implementing Reid’s principles within a confined habitat A new beginning A new scheme built on old foundations A return to a difficult collaboration: 1847–52 Repurposing the Central Tower: 1847–48 The unresolved question of the fresh-air supply The new second intake for the House of Commons: 1848 The Clock Tower and the remodelling of the lower-air supply Finalising the interior design: March–August 1850 Conclusion: a physical manifestation of a political decision Notes Part IV Critical evaluations and adaptation: 1852–1950 Chapter 8 Reid’s short-lived experiments in the House of Commons: 1852–54 Introduction: studying Reid’s system in use Insufficient pre-occupancy trails: 1851–52 Gathering intelligence on performance in use: 1852–54 An unsuccessful beginning: February–March 1852 A first formal investigation A second investigation Reid’s ventilation system under new management A final assessment Testing Gurney’s alternative ventilation system: April 1854 Conclusion: Reid’s plan remains unrealised Notes Chapter 9 After Reid Introduction: stages of experimentation Gurney’s two systems: 1854–55 First interventions in the House of Commons: 1866–92 A partial departure from the hermetically-sealed environment Case Study 1: cooling practices in the House of Lords (1869-1937). A re-appraisal of the House of Lords: 1911–37 Case study 2: a radical new concept for the House of Commons (1913–38) Between continuity and invention: the rebuilding of the House of Commons (1944–50) Conclusion: continuity of practice Notes Reflections on the character of the 19th-century environmental tradition Fluid boundaries in an emerging cross-disciplinary field The engagement of MPs and the Lords in questions of environmental design Reconciling utilitarian science and architectural historicism Uncovering forgotten legacies Notes Index