When we last photographed the Marine Building and the emerging MNP Tower last May, I was concerned how one of the only corridors with a viewpoint in this city of the relentless grid was being “irretrievably altered.”
Here’s what it looks like as of this weekend:
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Not so bad, I think – mainly because the background buildings all angle away from the Marine Building, making them still subservient to their lower neighbour. As well, they’re of glass – a different colour and texture, a reflective backdrop for the light-absorbing brick of that deco masterpiece, the colour of which is picked up by the foreground buildings, notably the Vancouver Club, that stay to the side.
The Marine Building is still the star, even if the stage has been redesigned.
The contrast in materials is the key.
If the building behind had been clad in stone to “match” the Marine Building, the Marine Building would have been lost in the visual clutter.
… which makes you wonder why heritage districts always seem to require new buildings to “blend in” – producing a sea of sameness.