Vol. 2 - April - No. 23
The Tennessee Valley Authority
Watts Bar Steam Plant
near Dayton, Tennessee, 1942
The conveyor carries coal to the larger section of the building (90 feet high from ground to roof coping), where it is pulverized and blown into the furnaces. Since glass would require continuous and hopeless washing under these circumstances, windows are almost entirely replaced by air-intake openings, and it is these long horizontal slits, protected by sheet metal hoods, which give this part of the building its striking appearance.
The lower block contains the steam-electric generators. Here abundant natural light was possible and desirable, as operations are both clean and exacting. Since ventilation is mechanical, insulating glass block could be used as a continuous strip beneath the roof.
The building's steel skeleton is covered outside with buff brick, and the great smoke stacks are black. Typical of TVA thoroughness is the excellent design of streetlights and conveyor.
learn more about this fascinating subject:
New Deal Network: TVA History
A Reign of Harmony: Le Corbusier and the TVA
Norris Dam Historic Photo Collection
The Tennessee Valley Authority: History
Virtual Tour of the Tennessee River: Watts Bar Dam
