ERROR RG P4 27.8.1993 Architect Mr. Arthur Seymour was wrongly identified as Henry Seymour in the Living section on August 24.

Of all the changes that have taken place since Henry Seymour qualified as a registered architect in 1972, he says the most revolutionary has probably been the use of computers.

For the architect no longer has to display any particular gift for drawing.

These days, the computer performs that task, rapidly producing accurate drawings that are three-dimensional in effect. Mr. Seymour, who retired last week from his post as Government's Chief Architect, is quick to point out, however, that while the use of a computer reduces errors, saves time and is more cost-effective, an architect still has to be able to visualise basic concepts in three-dimensional form: "A computer is a useful tool, but no more than that!'' Mr. Seymour, who has spent 34 years in Government service, was making his comments as he looked back on what he describes as "a very rewarding career''.

Despite the recession, which has seen a slowing-down in some areas of local architecture, Mr. Seymour still believes that there is a strong future for young people going into this field, particularly in the Government arm: "One of the challenges in working for Government is that an architect probably has the opportunity to work on a far wider range of projects than is usually the case in the private sector. There's an opportunity to be creative and innovative. You find yourself involved in projects that might range from hospitals and schools to airports and prisons.'' He is defensive about the airport: "Architecturally, I think it is a success.

The checking-in area is very big, but I think it has a softness.'' While Mr. Seymour is committed to Bermuda's unique architectural style, he believes that, particularly in the area of public buildings, there must be some areas of compromise, usually governed by practical considerations. He cites the Government bus depot as an example.

"We worked closely with Planning and I believe we came up with a facility that serves its purpose. It is not a `Bermudian' building, but it doesn't impose on the landscape.'' He says that, on the whole, the Bermudian style of architecture has been respected, even if this has increasingly meant substituting some new materials, such as artificial roofing, which maintain the general "look'' of Bermuda.

It is a disregard for scale that most concerns him in many of Bermuda's newer buildings. He singles out the waterfront Bermudiana Hotel in Hamilton and the Club Med building in St. George's as having been "built like American motel architecture which doesn't fit in at all in Bermuda''.

Mr. Seymour feels that many of Hamilton's office buildings, so rapidly erected to cope with the Island's foray into international business, "really do not, in any way, express good architecture. And, sometimes, an indiscriminate use of new building materials and even some of the colours that are employed, frequently reveal a lack sensitivity to our environment''.

He makes the point that although Bermuda's traditional architecture is so distinctive, it is also essentially simple: "It can be duplicated quite easily.'' This does not automatically mean an inflexible approach, says Mr. Seymour, pointing out that architects, such as the late Will Onions, took the best of local architectural features. He used "welcoming arms'', buttresses and chimneys and incorporated them into his own, very practical designs.

"He had a rare understanding of nature,'' says Mr. Seymour, "and that knowledge reflected the conventions of his day. Before the advent of air-conditioning, for instance, he placed bedrooms in the east because they would be cooler in hot weather. Although many of his principles still apply, modern-day living places more emphasis on the outdoors. People like to have ocean views, swimming pools and barbecue areas.'' Mr. Seymour, who was educated at Mount St. Agnes, went to work in the Surveying Section of what was then the Public Works Department in 1959.

After working there for some years, he decided he would like to become an architect and subsequently became one of Bermuda's first students to receive a Government bursary to study at the University of Florida. Five years later, he returned with his Bachelor's Degree in architecture and earned a Government job.

"But as I wasn't registered, I decided to go and work in the US. In those days, there was no formal procedure for registration, so I went to California where I was able to take the State exams. In 1972, I came back as a licenced architect.'' Touching on the recent controversy between "registered'' versus "unregistered'' architects, Mr. Seymour says that problems might arise in a litigious situation. "So far, Bermuda has been lucky. But I think very few people in the US would risk hiring an unlicenced architect. If something goes wrong with a building, that could have very serious ramifications,'' he says.

He points out that as an architect, he has to accept ultimate responsibility: "That's why it takes five years at university and that's why you have to study all aspects of architecture, including the issue of liability insurance.'' Mr. Seymour says that there have been many changes since he returned to work in Bermuda.

"Nowadays, most projects are done in-house -- and, in fact, we undertake things that we would never have dreamt of doing in the past.'' His 17 employees are employed in all aspects of architectural projects from conception to completion.

Asked which projects had pleased him most, Mr. Seymour places the new prison at the top of the list: "I started research on that ten years ago, visiting new facilities in the UK, US and Canada. The concept behind this building is to try and see what we can do to redirect these people in a positive direction. We did bring some specialists in to deal with specific problems, such as special walls, windows and fittings that would satisfy security standards. But I was anxious that the overall effect would relate to Bermudian architecture. It has been a real challenge for me to try and achieve this and still keep within the financial restraints.'' He also became involved in the tortuous planning for the new secondary school complex at Prospect, visiting Ontario to see how that Province had attempted to come to terms with the requirements of large educational facilities.

Other projects, such as upgrading the Post Office at St. George's, new windows for Government House, the landscaping of East Broadway, Ocean View Golf Course, Packwood House and Summerhaven, have all commanded Mr. Seymour's attention. "Obviously, I haven't worked personally on these projects, but as chief architect I am accountable for all of them.'' At the moment, he says, "it hasn't quite sunk in'' that his long career has ended and that he will no longer be working. But after spending some time travelling in the States, he hopes to get back into the world of creative design, "as much of the last ten years has been in management''.

Mr. Seymour also plans to spend more time developing his interest in photography and art, with special emphasis on painting in acrylics, sculpture and ceramics. PHOTO RETIRED -- Mr. Henry Seymour plans to pursue artistic interests away from the drawing board and computers.