State of the art : integrating public art with the rebuilding and re-imaging of the public realm : Christchurch Central Business District

RESEARCH PROJECT: How can architecture employ urban art and use it as a catalyst to reinvigorate the urban centre in preparation for the future city plan of Christchurch? Due to the earthquakes, which occurred on September 4th, 2010 and February 22nd, 2011, Christchurch has lost 80% of its buildings within the Central Business District (CBD). By not considering the use of urban art in a way that helps stimulate a cultural emergence to inform future development, the recovery plan has not fully utilised this unique opportunity of ‘starting from scratch’. Consequently, the end goal of the completed city will seek vibrancy only as a reactive response. Post-earthquake there are ample opportunities for artists and community start-ups to take back ownership of the city. The circumstances gave rise to many artistic murals and pop-up community-based projects. In the current stage of the rebuild, Cantabrians want to see more permanent tactical urban interventions, structures, and events that entice them back to the CBD. There is currently no platform or framework designed for such actions to exist or be taken into consideration in the planning process. This research project details the master planning and design of an artist studio and residence, embedded into a new framework of architectural interventions that strengthen the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan. Through architectural interventions, it reinforces the need to adopt creative initiatives focused around urban art that position people at the centre of the rebuild. The project explores how architecture can establish the context in which urban art can manifest and draw people back into the CBD to familiarise themselves with the rebuilding process. The public can build upon that context with community led projects which will result in appropriate adjustments of the recovery plan. Therefore, the role of the architect should be to enable people to engage with their environment and allow them to take back ownership of the rebuild. Thus, formalising the proactive response this research project proposes. How can architecture employ urban art and use it as a catalyst to reinvigorate the Urban Centre in preparation for the recovery plan of Christchurch? Includes glossary of graffiti terms