COLOURFUL CITY STORES

Evening Star, Issue 21708, 1 May 1934, Page 2

COLOURFUL CITY STORES

PLANNED FOR AUSTRAUAH FIRM An interesting example of presentday tendencies to introduce colour into the facades pf shopping premises—tints now produced scientifically to accord with local climatic conditions—will be found later in the new stores being erected in Bourke street (Melbourne) for Paterson’s Proprietary Ltd. The whole front of the building will he faced with gifted tiles pf ' a mottle green tope, these being selected, because of the southern aspect. It is of interest' to note (says the ‘ Argus ’) that, after repeated experiments, a bright colour is preferable in the city when buildings face to the south. As will be seen from the sketch of the architect the vertical piers, which are to project about Bin, will be accentuated, and the central portion treated as the main focal point to the eye of an observer. The balconette ' and canopy above the middle of the facade were included in the design to strike a true balance between the various structural elements. Other harmonious notes will be the ornamental panels and shallow bas-relief between the piers at the first floor level. The spaces here will be dressed with cement renderings of a dark ivory shade to match the subdued appearance imparted by the green tiles. An additional floor area of 8,-00 square feet will be available when tlie new premises aye completed, or a total area for the block of 24,500 square leet. Internally the ceilings will. be |med with fibrous plaster, with the beams and cornices of modern and distinctive design. The columns Will be cased up to a height of seven feet in figiired Australian hardwood panels, and a staircase of selected blackwood incorporated . The manager s office on tpe first floor will receive special treatment, acid glass.and chromium bemg specified for lighting and other fittings. It is proposed to instal powerful lighfs at the top of the columns, by which arrangement customers entOiing iiom the'head of the staircase at the front of the building will be enabled to see a wide range of goods. Ibe street windows will bp formed of sand-blasted glass in an amber shade to give a soft and diffused light. As an integral part of the elevation an electric name Sign will be introduced vertically and midway in the facade, The foundations will he completed shortly hy the' master builder, arid ts } e stores will fee occupied hy the Am in about four months.