NZ visual diary - entry 59

along Ponsonby Road

As I have noted elsewhere in my NZ visual diary blog, the architecture along Ponsonby Road is quite varied and distinctive. It isn't easy to blend successfully old and new architectures. At its best, the blending effort avoids visual dissonance by the judicious use of design planning overlays, most often manifest in historic district designations.

While I find appealing the pediment found in the building on the left side of the image, my interest lies in the building to the right. Two architectural features are quite intriguing: the inverted triangle formed off of the horizontal (cement) belt, framing what appears to be a set of hinged (perhaps French) doors; and the distinctive brick work of the building's facade, with its alternating patterns of vertical and horizontal stacks.

The cross hatch pattern of the brick work is stunningly elegant.

In combination the two features are beautiful architectural gestures.