Public service buildings

KEY POINTS: Many of these functions are tightly controlled by regulation Flexibility is needed to accommodate likely future change Value-for-money is a major design criterion Contents 1 Town halls 2 Fire stations 3 Ambulance stations 4 Police stations 5 References and bibliography 1 TOWN HALLS 1.01 Town halls have a variety of functions to fulfil, and many of their parts are covered in other chapters of this handbook. The principal constituents of a town hall are: A council chamber, with associated lobbies A civic suite, or mayor’s parlour A number of committee rooms An assembly hall (see Chapter 20) Offices (see Chapter 11) A public reception and information desk A cash reception and disbursal facility (see Chapter 14) 1.02 Elected members’ accommodation The core of any town hall, county hall or city hall is the accommodation for those elected by the public. Apart from the council chamber itself, space is needed for the Mayor, the party leaders and for informal gatherings of the members. In addition, delegations of the public and visiting dignitaries of all kinds have to be received in suitable surroundings, 15.1. 15.2 is by no means an over-elaborate arrangement; what cannot be seen from the drawing is the magnificence of the finishes!