In a Christchurch frame of mind

Abstract

This project is for Christchurch. It proposes to provide useful low-cost space for the little businesses, privately owned, operating from a small capital base, that are essential to the restoration of this great city’s heart.

Despite interventions from various groups, Christchurch struggles with its revival, four years on from the massive earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 that ripped apart the heart of this great New Zealand City.

The key groups tasked with reconstruction have created several extensive master plans which set out a lot of ideals, yet little is happening to implement their visions. Even where things are happening, they do not align with international insights into city rebuilding.

In a city once filled with small businesses, the small businesses have left, and the Central Business District appears almost defeated. But does the planning encourage their return? The heart of the city has dispersed and relocated: the real revival of Christchurch will depend on the availability of space for the previous occupants - diverse small to medium sized businesses that generate activity and human proximity.

This project explores the potential for a bold new approach to collaborative business in order to revive small businesses, harness untapped resources and bring a struggling part of this city back to life.