Snapshot, Melbourne.

Some shots of Monaco House on Ridgway Place in the city (just off Lt Collins between Spring and Exhibition). Constructed last year and designed by McBride Charles Ryan. The angular lines and crystalline forms are unexpected in this small laneway and they sit in direct contrast to the old brick wall of The Melbourne Club opposite.

The glass and high gloss black finish create what I like to call a 'borrowed facade,' in this case the greenery of The Melbourne Club garden is reflected and this transforms the hard modern materials and sharp edges into something softer and more organic. I think the position of this building, or you could say the way that the architect/s appear to respond to the surrounding environment, transforms it into something greater than the design itself.

More information and interior shots can be viewed here and here.