Wentworth House - Launceston

This small example of Modernist design is to be found in Launceston and its style reminds me of many buildings from a similar period from England.  It must be the colour of the brick work and the sand aggregate used on the upper part of the building as there is a of this colour used in the UK.  The vertical bands at eye level are made up of pebbles and concrete and I enjoy the symmetry created by the four vertical bands and the horizontal windows...and of course as I have a love of typeface, I loved the "Wentworth House" logo as well.

Response to "Henty House Heritage Battle"

Henty House is a rare example of Brutalist architecture in Launceston, and the battle for it to be heritage listed is being taken to the State planning tribunal.  See the newspaper story here

My response to the the newspaper story:
"Mayor Albert van Zetten shouldn't  bandy about his personal opinions about Henty House when  he says "I find it difficult to understand how Henty House adds to the heritage of our beautiful city" (Examiner 20th February)  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and buildings that are heritage listed are assessed on a wide range or criteria. I am intrigued to know how Mayor van Zetten would assess "beauty". Henty House and the Civic Square precinct form part of a rich social history that contribute greatly to the city of Launceston.  Henty House stands as a rare example of Brutalist architecture in Tasmania that when built centralised public services that were once spread all over the city  There are wonderful period sculptures and other Modernist buildings that make the precinct a delight and in-tact example of 20th Century Modernism.  Sorry Mayor, but our heritage is more than just what one deems as "beautiful" If we are to have an informed debate then such simplistic value laden comments shouldn't be bandied about"

I recently wrote a feature story and provided my photographs for a story on the history of Henty House and the Civic Square precinct that if forms for the new national publication "Australian Modern"  Check it out here   A photographic essay on Henty House I have done can be viewed here: 

500+ photos of Tasmanian 20th Century Modernism

It's official, the Tasmanian 20th Century Modernism archtiecture page on my website has hit 500 photographs! These include images of residential, industrial, civic and Government buildings.  The project continues to grow and many more photographs are yet to be added to the website and blog.  There are many more to come....Thanks to those over the years who have dropped by, checked out my blog and website and left comments, it's great to see other people who have a similar interest.

Check out my website for 500+ images of Modernism in Tasmania photo project.

Modernist Post War flats "Regency House" - Hobart

I love the sharp geometric angles of these flats as well as the small concrete overhangs with their sharp intersecting angles. The small glass curtain wall feature at the main entrance as well as the "Regency House" typeface at the main entrance are all visual joys.  Regency House stands alone in the streetscape, making it all the more dramatic and photogenic.

Art Deco urinal given streamline Modernist treatment

This stainless steel streamline urinal is a fascinating period design as it incorporates a wonderful repeating arch pattern.  Design is central to our everyday lives and surrounds us everywhere we go, yet it's often taken for granted and often not given a second thought. This urinal highlights the fact that thought and process was applied to every facet of the Modernist design aesthetic. I love the company logo, "Morgans Radiant" of Melbourne; check out the sunbursts at the corners of the logo as well - the style of this logo and urinal  is wonderful and screams 20th Century aesthetic!

Space Age Modernist design "landed on a highway" - Hobart, Riverfront Motel

Standing on the Derwent River in the outer suburbs of Hobart on the Brooker Highway is an awesome mid century landmark that's hard not to miss due to the arching tubular steel design that towers over the main entrance of the Riverfront Motel.  The sculpture reminds me of the spaceships that were in many children's playgrounds around Australia.

The wonderful yellow painted steel arch design that forms part of the entrance to the Riverfont Motel is an inspirational design along with the 1950s motel. Of equal interest is the neon typeface advertising at the top of the arched structure.

The original interior spaces of the motel  (as pictured below) were lavishly designed in the Modernist style.. The ceiling design of the reception and the dining room features are stunning Post War design features and personal favorites.