Margaret Austin

Suggestions from Margaret Austin

The September 4^th 2010 and February 22^nd 2011 earthquakes while devastating for peoples lives, livelihoods and infrastructure in Christchurch provide an enormous challenge and a rare opportunity to plan and build a new city for its citizens and visitors.

Many buildings are so compromised that demolition is essential. Indeed many still standing may not fit with the perception of what a 21^st century city in an earthquake prone location should either include or look like and should also be demolished. This would include high-rise glass “edifices” which people in the foreseeable future will be reluctant to work in or visit.

There is however a need to distinguish between “demolition” and “deconstruction”. Demolition effectively refers to tearing down or breaking up and putting an end to. Deconstruction on the other hand derives from a concept coined by the French Philosophy Professor Derrida in 1967 an applied to interpreting the meaning of the written word. It gave rise to the theory of constructivism as applied to learning. Since then it has been applied to architecture meaning that a building is taken apart in such a way as to be able to be reconstructed in the same or different form. That the two terms are being used in Christchurch as though they are synonymous is of concern.

The prerequisites for the new city include ease of access and movement, modes of transport, capturing people’s interest, attractiveness, innovation and confidence in the safety of buildings.

Further it is essential for a living, vibrant city that there is a good balance between commerce, residential, the environment and provision for the cultural and sporting life of people. If achieving our goals for a 21^st century city means we have to purchase land from existing owners then we have to be courageous enough to do so in the interests of posterity.

With these in mind my thoughts for the Garden City of Culture are:

1. Wide boulevards, pedestrian ways, few if any cars, access to bicycles, numerous electric minibuses for people to hop on and off.
2. Open spaces designed for people with gardens, green areas and trees, sculptures and sculpture gardens, picnic areas, BBQs, and a number large enough to hold events.
3. A sequence of highly attractive events bringing people into the city. International exhibitions at the Art Gallery.
4. No city building being higher than 3 floors and wherever possible apartments on floors 2 and 3. City housing areas built in such a way that there are spaces for children to play and adults to converse and relax. Residential complexes that promote community around garden spaces and including all ages and ethnic groups.
5. All new buildings should be energy self-sufficient and with water recycling mechanisms.
6. An agreed list of Heritage buildings reconstructed- at least the Cathedral and Basilica, the Provincial Council buildings and the Arts Centre.
7. A city of precincts around a completely “people friendly” Square with a restored or new Cathedral such as:    

• An Arts precinct from the Square to the Botanical Gardens
• A retail  precinct possibly around Ballantynes
• A Chinatown precinct
• A theatre entertainment precinct
• An office precinct possibly near the Courts
• Cafes, restaurants, clubs throughout
• A range of different sporting facilities