Monday, July 1, 2013

Theme Day: Facade


The first of the month is always theme day for "City Daily Photo" bloggers and this months theme is "Facade" a word the dictionary describes as "the front of a building that looks onto a street".  It seems like all the buildings with interesting 'facades' in Phoenix I've shown before.  But then when driving in downtown I happened to pass the Masonic Temple building.  The facade of that building is fairly simple but I do like the lamps on either side of the door.


And I really like the urns that are recessed in the side of the building.

But, what struck me the most about this building was its simplicity.  As I looked at it I recalled the Masonic Temple in St. Louis Missouri that I used to pass frequently when I was working there years ago.  Now, that was a building that truly lived up to its "temple" description.  I put a small photo of it that I found on the internet below.













It doesn't get much more temple-like that this fine structure.

To see how other City Daily Photo Bloggers express the theme click here.

21 comments:

Joe said...

Nice choice for theme day. I enjoy the intrigue associated with Masonic temples.

Anonymous said...

Very impressive, love the lamps!

Shaun said...

Those lamps are to die for. Any chance of you stealing them and shipping to the UK for me :)

Lowell said...

I've not even seen a Masonic temple in years! Great theme day post and yes, the St. Louis one is magnificent!

So sorry about the terrible fires! I read about the death of 19 firefighters this morning. A terrible tragedy for all involved!

Suzanne said...

I love the blue reflections. Nice lamps and wonderful post for theme day.

Kathy said...

I love your facade shot, Sharon, and I've always been drawn to the Phoenix Masonic Temple. A few ago before I left Phoenix I was in downtown one Sunday morning trying to get a good shot of the building when a security guard approached me. I figured I was getting ready to get thrown off the property, but instead he just engaged me in conversation when I told him I was taking pictures of some of the historic buildings downtown. A few moments later another gentleman arrived at the front door, the guard introduced us, and the second man invited me inside where he showed me several of their rooms. I figured a building this large surely had other tenants but no, the man explained that the entire building is occupied by the Masons. It has become shabby on the inside but it was still a fascinating tour of the areas that I was allowed to see.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I think the simple lines of the Masonic Temple accentuates the details like the lamps and the urns perfectly Sharon. Super find for the theme, and I bet no one told you to stop clicking :)

Tanya Breese said...

those lamps! i'm going to fight shaun for them!

Judy said...

This is a simple but attractive facade. The lamps are a nice touch.

LOLfromPasa said...

Very impressive and I am REALLY loving that blue sky to set off the architecture in the bottom shot. Nicely done.

Mo said...

A great choice. I totally forgot about theme day. too much going on at present.

Karl said...

This is a beautiful choice, Sharon. I like the lamps, you could use a similar picture for the next theme day :-)

Kate said...

I have always believed that sometimes the greatest beauty lies in simplicity. Certainly true here.

The deaths of the brave 19 firefighters in the AZ wildfire is terribly tragic. It is too sad to even contemplate!

RedPat said...

I quite like the simple facade!
Stay cool. A tragedy about those firefighters - these people are real heroes.

cieldequimper said...

Simple but impressive!

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

Masonic temples have been in the news ever since Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code...but even in my tiny community I have noticed the markings on the buildings downtown. I am praying for Arizona...losing so many firefighters at once is so sad. You are all in my prayers. Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Randy said...

Nice theme day shots!

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

It makes sense that the Masonic temples are made of bricks, stones and mortar.

Have you seen the Masonic Temple memorial to George Washington in Alexandria, Virginia? It is another amazing structure.

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

very interesting image of theme day. excellent! great photos.

Unknown said...

Beautiful details on the entranceway. Really nice shot, Sharon.

Buck said...

A good choice for the theme!