NZ Visual Diary - entry 135

K Road - handsomely restored block

K Road is many things, eccentric and resolutely unapologetic being two of its finest qualities.

I offer two observations about the image exhibited above: one specifically related to my K Road obsession, the other (more general) comment relates to the oft-noted distinction between ground and first floors of commercial buildings.

First, on the visual appeal of K Road: K Road is all about colour, so it is particularly pleasing to observe that the restoration of the 530s - 540s block has retained its expressive colour palette.

Secondly, close followers of my blog will know that I am fascinated by the appearance of older commercial buildings. Among the visual elements that appeal to me is, metaphorically-speaking, the temporal separation of floors. The photograph below is illustrative:

The two floors (ground and level 1) reside visually in different centuries.

The ground floor reflects the contemporary, albeit quaint, Kiwi look of a vibrant commercial district - colour and movement abound.

Level 1 — Calvert (Law) Chambers — appears to be frozen in time, the early 20th century to be exact.

So, it is very affirming to see that the owner(s) of the 530s - 540s block of K Road, referring again to the top image, elected to revive the upper floor of their commercial real estate by completing a thoughtfully detailed paint project.

The pastel palette may be more subdued than other stretches of K Road, nonetheless the colours dance in step with the K Road vibe.