A place of learning

This morning I went out just after sunrise, and ran a loop through the Domain and then down across Grafton Gully and up again to the University of Auckland City campus. In the university grounds, near Old Government House, I got this view of the Auckland University Clock Tower, with the Sky Tower on the next ridge westwards.

The lovely soft glow of the morning sun is still on the white of the Clock Tower; it shows up as almost a stark white later in the day.

The Clock Tower was completed in 1926, and the style pays respect to the traditions of old universities in what was then referred to as the "Home Country", with its spires and slightly Gothic appearance. It is also seen as reflecting the approach of the Chicago School, in its rootedness in the ground. Others have invoked Art Nouveau because of the incorporation of New Zealand fauna and flora in the decorations.

This is my final take on this week's challenge, time. The University was established in 1883, and began in a disused courthouse and jail. It now has three campuses and a deserved international reputation. As an institution of learning it is standing the challenge of time.