Living in constrained circumstances means that I’m coming across places and noticing things I might not have paid much attention to otherwise.
This block of flats is a case in point. Part of East Village, a new development in Stratford, each balcony has been dressed with a design. I can’t tell if you can see them on the inside but the decoration gives the place a great deal more individuality than plain glass as well as providing some privacy to the residents.
There’s a definite mid-20th century vibe going on here with bright colours from the warmer side of the spectrum in a contrast to the cooler material palette.
These panels are a basic add-on to an anonymous building, proof that something so simple and inexpensive can give an otherwise banal piece of architecture character and a sense of place.
Yes, it can be called window dressing in a superficial way. I like to think however that it illustrates how a tiny effort can bring a positive result.
This building is now fixed in my memory. I can’t remember the buildings opposite but I now know exactly where this place is.
