Share article


Hello,

We notice you're trying to make a purchase from outside of New Zealand.
If you would like to place an order, please email full details to info@nzia.co.nz


Thank you,

New Zealand Institute of Architects

Title

Content

Back

Back

Back

Back

Back

Back

2020 Canterbury Architecture Awards Winner

Christchurch Town Hall

Originally completed in 1972, the Christchurch Town Hall has been described as the “city’s living room”. As one of New Zealand’s best-known examples of Brutalism, the building represented a response to post-war austerity and to the newly expressive use of reinforced concrete or “Béton brut”. The 2010/2011 earthquakes destabilised the land upon which the complex rested, resulting in a 300mm settlement across the building. Demolition was initially mooted, but a public outcry saw the City Council commit to restoring the complex in 2015. The fundamental principle was “to do as little as possible but as much as necessary”. Alongside remedial works, the architects identified several new elements that would increase the value and amenity of the building without lessening its integrity, including a new 1500m2 block for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. ⠀

 
Practice
Warren and Mahoney Architects New Zealand Ltd
Category
Heritage
Location
Canterbury
Share.