I said in my comments here that I preferred a square box to "'mix and match boxes' look that's all around Nelson". Here's an example; it's supposed to look like an old-fashioned street where there were many little individual stores and houses, and this new "old" look is breeding like rabbits. 
But then I tend to prefer bland things; if they must do the cutsy, I prefer this one.
I like the sign that says "Give Way". Is that the same thing as "Yield" here in the US? Great blog...glad I stopped by.
ReplyDeleteIf it came to a choice of which one to blow up first I'd vote to blow up the bottom one.
ReplyDeleteThe reason is that I detest the pseudo type of architecture where we just steal style elements from buildings built by true craftsmen, make them out of stucco and cheap lumber, and staple them together to make a modern building. The bottom one looks like this type of building to me.
Thanks Meg. Hope I'll be invited back.
Photo above is looks like some railway station.
ReplyDeleteHope, yes it is a yield sign.
ReplyDeleteWayne, ok, I don't want you to blow up either, but I prefer the bottom one because it has a kind of visual coherence, or smartness/simplicity. The repetition of shapes and simplicity of color is more pleasing to moi.
Noby, now that you say so, it DOES look like an eki!
I agree, the one above looks like a rail station. I don't like either building though. I prefer charm over continuity.
ReplyDeleteOh Meg, I am dispairing that by the time I get to Nelson the whole place will be no more than buildings styled from children's blocks! The top photo is exactly like my Secondary School in Lower Hutt, built in the late 1950's and run by the State - the first of prefab schools. Shame on you Nelson City Council! It does look like a Japanese railway station also much like the Hilton in Sydney. Like the bottom pic best - pseudo-heritage? Lesley Expat Kiwi
ReplyDeleteOh,Oh,had to come back here, just looked at your Whakatu Incorp Building - how the addition of Maori carvings enhances a structure that resembles something that looks like a "airconditioning tower" is beyond me! The Maori I grew up with would turn in their graves. Nelson should be careful, it needs to retain its heritage and old buildings, nouveau is not for Nelson. Lesley Expat Kiwi
ReplyDeleteSherry, looking at some of the "old" buildings these have replaced, aka 60's and 70's blocks, some of these aren't that bad, I admit.
ReplyDeleteLesley, it's Wakatu Inc, so I'm sure the local Iwi was well-consulted, if that's what you're worried about. Now I must Google Hilton in Sydney.
I'm coming a bit late to the party, but to add my 2 cents, quality of architecture aside, I 'd rather have either of the 2, but being able to walk on the street do some window and real shopping than get into one of the horrendous shopping centres that are mushrooming these days. OS let's enjoy while we steel can! Cheers Meg, Good one yet again!
ReplyDeleteYes, I see your point. Auckland has quite a lot of the big malls now, doesn't it. I noticed, also, that neither of us have ever posted the big red shed or the Mega store yet! Maybe I'll finally do it some time.
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