As local landscape architects, I think we can be proud to say that our design responses to a post-quake city in distress have done justice, and will continue to in both the city’s physical structure but most importantly our communities and how the people of Christchurch use and interact with their city on a social scale.

On 9 May, the branch hosted a seminar with Allied concrete as the generous sponsor showcasing seven design projects that have taken place post-earthquake. Nearly 100 people from a range of disciplines attended the evening at Christchurch City Council including a group of students from Otago University, Masters of Planning. Projects were diverse and have all played their own part in piecing our city back together.

We heard about temporary installations from Greening the Rubble through to permanent public scale solutions such as street-scapes, and Victoria Square. On a residential scale, the east frame development is moving ahead at the planning stage with only a small section being detailed with courtyard space and low rise housing. The Margret Mahy Memorial Playground is completed and engaging users, young and old. Installations throughout the Avon River Precinct are promoting shared space and encouraging interaction with our waterway.

Common threads that emerged from the evenings presentations included the breadth of collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and the careful consideration of community engagement and input. Greater acknowledgement and consultation with Ngāi Tūāhuriri/Ngāi Tahu has emerged, ensuring a ‘’balance” in our city between our European and Maori cultural values.

It was fantastic to see how far our local branch and the profession have come, and the intense level of involvement that we have had within the city’s rebuild. Keep an eye out for site visits to follow where we will be hitting the pavement and getting amongst the beginning of our new city. Exciting times are ahead!