Sunday 21 September 2008

Mirrored times 2


I took this picture (along with three dozen more that didn't even turn out this well) back in August. I figured if I didn't hurry up and use it I'd have to wait until next year. Before too long we'll be into grayer days and this will seem out of place.

The mirrored buildings are designed and positioned to reflect the Marine Building, Vancouver's art deco gem. It is worth seeing. I've worked for the engineering department of the Marine Building and it doesn't hold quite the same charm for me now as it did before I worked there.

There is a fair bit of folklore that goes with it but to me the most interesting fact concerning the Marine Building is that it was built during the depression.

13 comments :

angela said...

I can see why people might want to see it, it looks a lovely example of art deco. I would appreciate the thought and planning that went into the planning of these buildings so many city planners wouldn't have bothered..

Laurie Allee said...

This is such a cool view. I've never explored the Marine Building -- is the interior still art deco or was it at some point gutted and modernized? I love walking into the lobby of the Empire State Building because the design is so well preserved, it feels kinda like a time machine for old New York.

ANything art deco is good by me. I like the reflections. ANd I love your shot with that cheerful yellow car.

Virginia said...

Wayne,
I posted a similar photo of downtown B'ham a while back and yours is much, much better. Maybe since we hardly have any skyscapers it didn't have the impact that yours does. Give us another shot of that good looking art deco building some time.

Chuck Pefley said...

I always enjoy looking at the detail on the Marine building. I seem to remember some dolphins over the doorway ... is my memory correct? (Just never know, these days).

Ken said...

Nice shot. When I was in Ottawa I took numerous photos similar to yours. Reflections like this make such nice photos.

Debbie Courson Smith said...

We went to see it on our Vancouver visit, I remember because it was right before I had the most incredible salmon dinner I've ever had in my life. I still think about it 15 years later.

Virginia said...

W,
Too bad you live so far away or I would fry you up some okra. B.O.M.B. I am cracking up over that one.

Barbara Rahal said...

Hey that is funy..I post late and i didnt visit your blog until now...ahh aha ha cool coincidence!

Wayne said...

Chuck, I'm sure your memory is correct. I've crawled over that entrance with a ladder more than once but I couldn't tell you what is on it. What I do know is that it isn't called the Marine Building for nothing. Everywhere you look there are references to the sea. Seashells, mermaids, ships bows, masts, oars. A veritable potpourri.

Laurie, I'll tell you an interior near you that knocked my socks off when I saw it. The Edison building opposite the main library in downtown LA. Have you seen it. Of course the Bradbury will always be my sentimental favourite.

Sharon said...

This is a beautiful shot. I have been trying for weeks to get a good reflection photo at a high-rise near me, but no luck.

Unknown said...

You have chosen the perfect angle to have double reflection. That is something not commonly seen. Great shot!

Kathleen McQueen Wright said...

Reflection is so clear

Anonymous said...

I love this picture, the reflection is perfect! Great shot!