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Architect Warwick Bell's vision for Christchurch - Source: Close Up -
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A giant tent is one of the grand designs being put forward for Christchurch's CBD future look.
The idea comes from architect Warwick Bell, who designed the plans for Auckland's Rugby World Cup party central at Queens Wharf, a futuristic tent-like structure.
"It's a permanent structure, with guys [guy ropes] and masts and we're thinking that it takes in maybe a full city block," Bell told TV ONE's Close Up.
He said it would shelter a block of houses and offices, and be built from light-weight materials, so they do not need to be weather-proof.
"We've taken care of 80-odd percent of the weather," said Bell.
His hope is to have solar panels incorporated into the fabric, so that it essentially becomes a power station for the area. It would also incorporate an above-ground water storage facility.
Bell says the other benefit is that it won't fall down if there is another earthquake.
Freelance designer Barry Read, also involved in the tent plan, says it is time for Christchurch to say goodbye to its heritage buildings.
"The historical stuff is gone, there's nothing much you can do about that."
He says Christchurch should look at Napier as an example.
"What makes Napier so fantastic today is that it was rebuilt in the style of the thirties. It was rebuilt with the best that technology could provide at that time," said Read.
"What we're saying here is that Christchurch has that ability in the future."
Other grand designs put forward include architect James Lundy's 'cultural Christchurch,' which would see the city keep its historical icons.
"It's part of the cultural memory of the city. It's part of what people loved about Christchurch," he said.
Architect Aaron Jones wants a 'green Christchurch, where a fifth of all flat surfaces would have greenery.
"There's depth, there's natural materials softening the streetscape. The whole idea behind it all really is to reduce energy costs. There's less pressure on the power grid," said Jones.
He also wants to see more mixed-use buildings, where shops, businesses and homes coexist under the same roof.
"It becomes more of a 24/7 city. It's alive," said Jones.
Architectural Ambassador to Christchurch Ian Athfield, the man charged with coordinating the look of the rebuild, says architects have been given an open brief, but some things have to be considered.
"I think we really have to look at a vision for the city and that vision starts at the countryside and goes right into the CBD. It's not a dictatorial vision with particular aspects of it. Heritage buildings are really up to the building owner."
He says he is in favour of keeping the CBD in its current position because many of the buildings there will stay through the rebuild.
What is your vision for Christchurch CBD's future look? Have your say on the messageboard below.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentbollod said on 2011-04-07 @ 07:59 NZDT: Report abusive post
It would go well with the circus that is the Gerry Brownlee Show!
lazza25784 said on 2011-04-06 @ 17:32 NZDT: Report abusive post
Are you kidding me? Do we really want something that tacky in our Beautiful city? It looks truly awful!