Pointe of interest

 Pic of new Scottish Ballet HQ, Glasgow, courtesy of  here: http://www.scottishballet.co.uk/whats-on/current-productions/doors-open-days/doors-open-days.htm 

Click to enlarge - it's worth it!

Briefest of posts to say: yay!

http://southsidehappenings.blogspot.com/2010/01/get-flash-player-here-httpwww.html

Extract:
 ...I have been passing the building regularly over the last few months, and I've become aware of how visible the building is from the surrounding area. Over night it's turned into a reference point or landmark for this part of the Southside. I wonder if it will be come an iconic image of the Southside...

 I do hope so...

See previous blogs, especially this one:

http://nemesisrepublic.blogspot.com/2010/01/on-being-industrious.html

and also:

http://nemesisrepublic.blogspot.com/2009/12/joyeux-noel.html

...pleased that local people are appreciating this!

Of course I've been a ballet nut since my first plie aged five, although I will spare the world the pic of a gap toothed me, in tutu. Instead I recommend the link above, as it has several very good pictures of the building, which are also on Flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7935774@N04/sets/72157623189484885/with/4315926475/

Further pics and interiors here:

http://www.malcolmfraser.co.uk/projects/?contentid=268&parentid=248

and a review from Architecture Today

http://www.architecturetoday.co.uk/Articles/view.php?id=24061

However, a particular joy of this building to me is the signage, embedded in the front elevation concrete, and a part of the design of the building.  If only all architects would take care with such details; little detracts from a building more than a sign stuck on as an afterthought, while a good one considered at the outset is an enhancement.

Scotsman building, North Bridge, Edinburgh, proudly signed - and with an office next to that, which architect could fail to be inspired? (Click on pics to enlarge)

The Scotsman: history

http://www.rampantscotland.com/features/bldev_scotsman.htm

My sixth form art prize, I chose Basic Design: The Dynamics of Visual Form  by Maurice De Sausmarez  and I'm pleased to see, after several decades, it's still in print. It should be required reading for all.

http://fineart.ac.uk/artists.php?idartlist=162

Nem

PS I also like the signage on the Scottish Poetry Library, a close- up of which I note is currently its Twitter avatar @ByLeavesWeLive

The jury is still out here about this one, although its use as a locational marker after a neet oot on the toon (it's MFA's Dance City, Newcastle) is acknowledged, and at least the colour is soothing on the eyes....

Further pictures here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/content/image_galleries/dance_city_building_gallery.shtml?1

PPS - a previous post about signs (pubs)

http://nemesisrepublic.blogspot.com/2009/02/watering-workers-beer.html

and this has a pic of Princes Street BHS, where the lettering is a joy

http://nemesisrepublic.blogspot.com/2009/11/things-they-say-royal-commonwealth-pool.html