NZ Visual Diary - entry 239

Grey Lynn contrasts

There is a recurring theme in my posts that present architectural studies of Auckland Central and its surrounding suburbs, in this instance the upscale suburb of Grey Lynn. I enjoy illustrating the distinctive elements of disparate architectural styles, especially styles in contrast within a single frame, as is displayed in today’s post.

Taken together, the two buildings invite the observant viewer to consider the stylistic preferences and constraints of varied architectural periods. Both architects address an essential challenge of their profession: how to embolden the monotony of a flat surface by yielding in creative ways the elements of visual artistry: shape, form and line; texture and pattern; movement and balance.

While neither style expresses the ornate visual sensibilities of Beaux Arts or Art Deco architectures, nonetheless I find beauty in both architectural renderings within today’s image.