Ruth Gardner's Blog 14/09/2012: Desirable Debris

Articles, UC QuakeStudies

An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 14 September 2012 entitled, "Desirable Debris".

BeckerFraserPhotos February 2012 photograph 0448

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of an excavator amongst building debris near Lichfield Street.

Unvisited Art

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A digitally manipulated photograph of the foyer of the Christchurch Art Gallery. The photographer comments, "The Christchurch art gallery has been closed to the public since the February 2011 earthquake and its reopening seems to be in the distant future. I want to convey the feeling that if art is not looked at darkness starts to overcome it and the paint starts to peel off".

BeckerFraserPhotos June 2012 photograph 087

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "A concrete crusher with workmen salvaging reinforcing steel from the debris, Hereford Street".

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Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "Demolition debris piled in front of the Brannigans building during the course of its demolition".

My Neighbour's House Being De-Constructed

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A digitally manipulated image of an excavator demolishing a house. The photographer comments, "My neighbour I thought was going to be one of the first to be rebuilt in the area after being damaged in the 22 February 2011 earthquake, but the builders have knocked it down and not returned yet".

BeckerFraserPhotos February 2012 photograph 0648

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "Demolition of the Brannigans building. The container is being placed against the end of the building being demolished to protect the building below from falling debris".

The Final Showdown

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A digitally manipulated image of diggers sitting on top of rubble beside the old Railway Station. The photographer comments, "Which one will be buried 6 foot under?".

BeckerFraserPhotos February 2012 photograph 0645

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of a shipping container suspended from a crane. The photograph is captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "The container is being placed against the end of the building being demolished to protect the building beneath it from falling debris".

BeckerFraserPhotos March 2012 photograph 203

Images, UC QuakeStudies

The northern side of the Christ Church Cathedral with the cafe and store in the foreground. Shipping containers have been placed around the eastern side of the Cathedral to protect the road from falling debris. Wire fencing has also been placed around the building as a cordon. To the right, the damaged and party deconstructed tower can be seen with the missing spire which fell during the 22 February 2011 earthquake.