Edward Building

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Closer view

In perspective - against NEM House

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Location
Harare, CBD
Designers
J.A. Cope-Christie & Cowper
Date
1936
Original Client
H.M. Barbour, Chain store owner
Style
Art deco
Discussion
J.A. Cope-Christie was 77 when he designed what was to be one of his best non-classical buildings. Based on classical principles, the elements were reduced to a simple rectilinear design, using the minimum of curves. Its architecture speaks of modernism with a very strong lean towards art deco.

Despite its height, it is only a double-storey structure, with first floor office chambers over ground floor retail shops. The concrete verandah has a very plain cornice, supported on rectangular columns with very stylised flutings and rectilinear capitols. The first floor façade divided into recessed vertical panels speaks very much of art deco, with diagonal basketwork panels below the cornice. The top third of each of the Edwardian-style sash windows have small panes, over a clear glazed bottom section. Ornamentation is carried through with little lion heads in the string course.

Curves to the façade are only introduced at the corners, where a pair of round columns with an 'egg and dart' pattern and cushion type capitols support the curved basketwork balcony. Also, above the central main entrance on the east-facing (First Street) façade, where an arched glazed door, behind a basketwork balcony contributes to a visual focus for the composition.

The office chambers are entered through fine glazed hardwood doors back in a lobby paved in ceramic tiles. Horizontal metal beadings reflect the rectilinear styling of the building. Situated diagonally opposite from N.E.M. House, this street corner provides a cosmopolitan mix of modern, classical and art deco styles.

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Credits

Peter Jackson

Borrowdale Dan - Photo


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