Monday, May 26, 2014

Viaduct Quay Building, Auckland

Viaduct Quay Building, Auckland

The Viaduct Quay Building at 204 Quay Street, Auckland is now a sprawling collection of restaurants, bars and nightclubs a far cry from its use by the Auckland Harbour Board when it was built in 1944.

Viaduct Quay Building, Auckland
Viaduct Quay Building, Auckland

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Glasgow School of Art

Glasgow School of Art

I awoke on Saturday morning (Melbourne time) to the sad news that Charles Rennie Mackintosh's masterpiece, The Glasgow School of Art was on fire. "Due to one of the most astonishingly intelligent and professional pieces of strategy", the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service fought to control the fire and preserve as much of the building as possible however the library was completely gutted.

According to the art school's chairperson Muriel Gray the archives are safe and it was a delight to see "most of our beloved building bruised and battered, but most certainly not destroyed".

In relation to the library she added,
"Mackintosh was not famous for working in precious materials. It was his vision that was precious and we are confident that we can recreate what was lost as faithfully as possible."
"Our main concern right now is the welfare of the students and the impending graduation and everyone is working hard together to achieve the best outcome for all."
While many works have been preserved, some students have lost some or all of their work.

The spirit appears to be strong. The building is 90% viable and will hopefully be restored ready to welcome many more generations of art students.

Glasgow School of Art

Reference:
BBC News, (2014). Glasgow School of Art fire: Iconic library destroyed. [online] Available at: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-27556659 [Accessed 25 May. 2014].

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

1875 K Street, Washington DC

1875 K Street, Washington DC

So what do you think? 1875 K Street in Washington DC was designed by Hartman-Cox Architects but it isn't a deco building. It wasn't even built in the 20th C. Construction began in 2000 but it certainly harks back to an earlier time.

1875 K Street, Washington DC

Reference:
1875 K Street, Emporis.com

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

A House in Foxton

A House in Foxton

Even the most modest of Deco house have some decoration. This little beauty is in Foxton in New Zealand.

A House in Foxton

Sunday, April 20, 2014

REO Carpark, Auckland

REO Carpark, Auckland

I discovered this building through the wonderful Timespanner blog. So having arrived in Auckland this afternoon I took the opportunity to wander down Federal Street to have a look for myself.

REO Carpark, Auckland

It was constructed in 1937 as a garage and showroom for A B Donald Ltd who were agents for the REO Motor Company.

REO Carpark, Auckland

Designed by architect J O Owen, it was completed in May 1938.

REO Carpark, Auckland

References:
Timespanner: The REO building's 75 years. 2012. [online] Timespanner.blogspot.co.nz. Available at: http://timespanner.blogspot.co.nz/2012/02/reo-buildings-75-years.html [Accessed 20 Apr 2014]

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Regent Theatre, Pahiatua

Regent Theatre, Pahiatua

You've gotta love the signage on the Regent in Pahiatua - Upstairs Cinema - Downstairs Theatre. Opened on 23rd February 1940 it is now a registered charity with a part-time manager and staffed by volunteers.