Once the decision had been made that the Atlas Computer Laboratory was to be run by NIRNS separate from both Harwell and the Rutherford High Energy Laboratory, a site was needed in easy reach of both.
[画像:Initial plan of the Laboratory]
The initial plan was quite close to the final location although the original plans were for a much more sophisticated building than the final rather functional one.
[画像:Initial plan: Ground Floor]
Offices were situated either side of the main entrance with the data preparation area and machine room further back.
[画像:Initial plan: First Floor]
On the second floor, there was a large Conference Room over the entrance and the plant room for the machine was to be situated above the Atlas machine itself.
Very early on, it was clear that that the budgetary figure provided for the building was inadequate and savings had to be made and the original design was scrapped.
