When I was walking in Putney on Saturday, I came across this building on Werter Road, across from Sainsbury's. It doesn't look hugely architecturally significant, just another poured-concrete-and-brick Brutalist structure. But don't you love that tile mural in the front?
I'm guessing it was the architect's attempt to dress up an otherwise dreary facade. I think it works.
I tried to find some background about this building -- when it was designed and erected, and for what purpose -- but had no luck. I must admit I didn't closely survey the scene while I was there, but I didn't notice any signs or indications of its use. It looks very '70s.
I did find out during my research that there's another interesting building farther along the same street -- an ornate house with a bust of Kaiser Wilhelm I over the doorway. I didn't walk far enough to see that. Maybe on my next trip!
Architecture sure went through some sad times there for awhile, didn't it? The mural...helps.
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting looking building and the mural almost seems out of place on it. I loved the photo of the guy carrying the Buddha yesterday. That really is a fun shot.
ReplyDeleteI like the mural but the building itself doesn't have much to offer in the way of beauty!
ReplyDeleteLoved the Buddas yesterday!
thank god for the tile facade.
ReplyDeleteYes that is a fabulous wall! LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteBrutalist? There's really a style called that?
ReplyDeleteMs Moon: I actually like some Brutalist architecture, but that raw concrete never seems to age well.
ReplyDeleteSharon: Thanks! I'm not sure he was happy I took it, but I couldn't resist!
Lynne: Yeah, the mural is definitely the bright spot!
Ellen: Indeed!
Linda Sue: It reminds me of certain '70s pottery.
Elizabeth: There IS! As defined by the online dictionary, it's "a style of modern architecture characterized by massiveness, a lack of exterior decoration, harsh lines, and the exposure of structural materials."
The wall was demolished this week as part of the redevelopment of the site. The site manager was surprised to see that it wasn’t made up of tiles but appeared to a type of resin on a membrane. If it had been tiles, he would have tried to save them.
ReplyDeleteAP: I'm sorry to hear it's been demolished, but I guess you can't save everything. It did LOOK very tile-like!
ReplyDelete