Saturday, September 15, 2012

Vertical Symmetry: A Saturday Snapshot














 


I have a thing for vertical symmetry.
And by "vertical symmetry" I'm referring to architecture, especially urban skyscapes.
In other words, technological symmetry -- I marvel at the exactness of good engineering. When I walk down a city street I am always on the lookout for the way that tall buildings in the foreground match the vertical sides of buildings more distant.
I can't even tell you of how many times I have escaped being run over by cars driven by drivers who do not have the same fascination, as I gaze upward in a jay-walking stupor.
Here is a pic I took while walking down St. Catherine street in Montreal.
So, note the thoroughly ancient church in the foreground.
The office tower in the background is blocks distant.
But look at how they proportionally line themselves up. I just love that!
Built perhaps a hundred years apart. A bit of a clearer shot -- HERE.
I want to go to Chicago sometime, on a Total Vertical Symmetry Tour©.


Thank you Alyce, for hosting this terrific Saturday Snapshot meme @ At Home With Books.
*****

27 comments:

Alyce said...

That is perfection! I can't imagine that the builders of the new building planned it that way, but it would be cool if they had taken it into account. :)

Louise said...

How cool. And how lovely that you noticed it. I think there's a lot of joy to be had in noticing such small things.

Christine Harding said...

That;s amazing. Can't say I'd really noticed vertical symmetry before, but I will look out for it now. ertical symetry

Christine Harding said...

Forgot to say My Snapshot is at http://goo.gl/ZsnvZ

Merisi said...

That's a great sight, masterfully captured, Cipriano!


"Tyger Tyger Tyger, burning bright,
In the forests of the night;
What immortal hand or eye,
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?"
(William Blake)

bermudaonion said...

I like the way they line up too. I also like the blend of the old with the modern.

Margaret @ BooksPlease said...

Very satisfying and something I haven't thought of looking for - I will now.

Trish said...

What a great composition! I love to see cities respecting the surrounding older buildings.

Laurel-Rain Snow said...

So aesthetically pleasing to notice and enjoy the symmetry of buildings.

Thanks for sharing...and here's MY SATURDAY SNAPSHOT POST

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

What a beautiful piece of architecture.

Susan Lindquist said...

I love that you're an architecture 'geek'. It's funny that some people are totally in tune with these kinds of visual concepts and others walk through life never thinking or seeing the connections of the lines and squares formed by their environments ... grest shot ... noticed and composed.

srivalli said...

Symmetry reminds me of my favourite Detective Hercule Poirot! Great shot and i love the symmetry you have composed with the church in front and the building at the back!

Jill Buck said...

Very neat!

Bev Hankins said...

How very cool! And not something I'd thought about before. Now I'll be looking for symmetry whenever I go out....

Here's my Snapshot.

Book of Secrets said...

That is an amazing shot! I love the old church "blending" with the modern building behind it.
My Saturday Snapshot

Sim Carter said...

I love the lines and the blend of old and new. It's really nifty how the modern tower in the background is nestled within the framework of that glorious church.
Did you see Inception? I wonder if you were as enthralled with the images of crumbling cities as much as I was. My Saturday Snapshot this week is a city shot too.

Bookzilla said...

That's pretty awesome. I don't notice things like that, but I do like metaphor: how old and new can fit together. Great shot!

And yes, definitely head to Chicago for a tour. There's so much amazing architecture; the boat tours are especially fun.

Here's my Saturday Snapshot. Have a great weekend!

DCMetroreader said...

Interesting! I never thought of vertical symmetry before, but this photo clearly displays it.

Irene said...

I'd never have noticed that, I truly try not to get run over. but, now I'll be compelled to look.

Ginx Craft said...

Great photo, though it also reminded me of how my husband used to think it was funny to photograph me in front of various lighthouses and towers, so they looked like they were hats.

Paulita said...

You pointed out something that I've never noticed before. I'll have to start blocking traffic too. Here's Mine

Unknown said...

I've never noticed this before! Thanks for sharing.

Joy Weese Moll said...

Heh. Never noticed this sort of thing before, but I think it's going to change the way that I walk around cities now. Thanks! (I think)

Sharon Galligar Chance said...

Great shot! I love finding cool circumstances like that!

Here's my post, if you have time to stop by - http://sharonsgardenofbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-day-in-life-of-cat-saturday-snapshot.html

Cipriano said...

I'm so glad I was able, through the exposure via Alyce's blog, to inspire you all to look for vertical symmetry in architecture.
Happy blogging to you all.
And... keep looking up! [But watch for cars!]

Lisa said...

I love pics that combine old and new - great shot!

My Snapshot

Melwyk said...

Great photo -- I love that location and that church. Very nice picture, showing a very nice day, too!