NZ Visual Diary - entry 329

on Greys Avenue

An architecture firm faces an interesting design challenge when the dominant front-facing feature of a building under conceptualisation is an endless array of balconies. No amount of creativity in the design of balcony balustrades can adequately compensate for the mundanity of a balcony’s status as a functional appendage.

And yet, the design team in the instance of today’s architectural entry has, in my opinion, succeeded brilliantly at the assignment. The movement is stunningly good.

Taking full advantage of a diagonal’s visual power as conveyed in a profusion of repeating angular patterns — both disjointed and graceful — along with the punctuated contrast of light and dark tonalities, the visual excitement of the front facade is propelled by the design energy of movement, depth and an oscillating dance of light and shadow.