NZ Visual Diary - entry 313

Rationalist House - Symonds Street

The New Zealand Association of Rationalists and Humanists was established in Auckland in 1927. The association anchors its beliefs in the philosophic traditions of humanism, secularism and rationalism.

In 1960, the association bought the building at 64 Symonds Street, which continues to serve as its Auckland headquarters.

A coffee shop, aptly named Rations Cafe, operates on the ground floor. Meeting rooms and the society’s very impressive library reside on the upper floor.

The building is replete with beautiful architectural details presented in flawless symmetries, except for the window designs. They are oddly irregular, suggesting that some of the windows may have been haphazardly replaced. Also, the second of two chimneys is missing, perhaps toppled by the deteriorating effects of wind and rain; and finally there is at ground-level a set of windows on the left side of the building, likely for basement-level illumination.