Concentrated batteries had precedents in central-battery ships and earlier central or wing-turret arrangements. Destroyers provide another example of separating different weapon demands. Deck-penetrating guns could occupy the forward hull while torpedoes sat above the deck farther aft. Machinery could then use the internal space beneath the aft weapons. The usefulness of the arrangement depends partly on which systems need to extend through the deck.
Notable Point · 28:00-28:58
Earlier precedents for separating guns and machinery
Earlier turret ships and destroyers show how weapon placement could preserve internal machinery space.