Christchurch earthquake: From tragedy, a chance to start afresh

The Catholic Basilica Cathedral. Photo / Dean Purcell

Out of the rubble of one of New Zealand's greatest tragedies could come one of the world's most celebrated cities if we get Christchurch's rebuild right.

This is the challenge that architects are grasping with after the announcement this week of a working group on the city's rebirth.

Though it may seem insensitive to begin talking about rebuilding when there are still scores of bodies buried beneath Christchurch's rubble, overseas experience indicates the importance of moving quickly.

At Santiago's Universidad Catolica de Chile, architecture professor Sebastian Gray says the people of Chile have learned the value of rebuilding as soon as possible.

A year ago, Santiago and Concepcion were rocked by an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that killed 521 people.

"Permanent solutions have to be considered very, very carefully so people can restore the urban physical values of the community where they used to live," Gray says. "What you have to get back is a sense of pride, which is lost after a disaster like this." Here in New Zealand, architect Ken Crosson says that with careful thought the city could put New Zealand on the world map for urban design.

Designers and architects must work alongside engineers to ensure as many heritage buildings as possible are saved, and the new buildings are beautiful, innovative and "engaging on a human level".

The rebuild is a golden opportunity, but one that arises from the tragic loss of more than 160 lives in February 22's 6.8-magnitude quake.

The tremors damaged countless buildings, some beyond repair.

Architectural practice Warren and Mahoney this week announced a working group for urban planning, design and property experts to begin considering the "best way forward for rebuilding".

Managing director Peter Marshall says looking to the rebuilding will offer Christchurch and New Zealand a sliver of hope and positivity.

"But it has to be quality and done sensitively," he says. "The most difficult thing is that it is easy for some of us to be standing here saying this. But all of us know people who have possibly died - there's a lot of stress and a lot of angst."

Unitec associate professor of urban design Dr Dushko Bogunovich agrees. "It's an opportunity to go ahead of all the cities in the world.

"While we are waiting for some hard data on what the ground looks like, I think it's okay to fantasise and really kind of broad-brush paint the possible, to strategise the new look of Christchurch."

He says the new city will reconcile the look of heritage buildings with contemporary design and modern materials - unlike overseas cities rebuilt after disasters.

"Sadly, often, I guess, for sentimental reasons, people fall into the trap of doing it the way it was before the earthquake."

He says Christchurch's disaster has shown the potential benefits of decentralising the city's infrastructure.

Designers will need to move away from single reticulated utilities and develop systems that allow water or electricity to run to one area while being cut to another. The CBD, in particular, will need to be decentralised with buildings on problem terrain demolished and those sites turned into parks and reserves.

Crosson, despite disagreeing with the idea of decentralising the city's key buildings, does say "spaces for people" such as squares and parks are essential for a great city.

He also says buildings need to be kept low, and as many heritage buildings as possible need to be saved.

"People can engage with four stories or five stories," he says. "You look at London or Copenhagen and they're low rise, so maybe with this instability that's the way to go.

"And yes, green buildings. It's just good sensible design with fantastic urban spaces, simple things like enough natural light, don't have deep, dark floor patterns, good air flow and efficient public transport."

He is in favour of intensifying the city centre but making a statement by using timber as a dominant material.

"It will be new and modern but not slick and glassy. We're going forward but always looking to the old."