Imagined landscapes find their form in utopian dreaming. As ideal places, utopias are set up according to the ideals of their designers. Inevitably, utopias become compromised when they move from the imaginary into the actual. Opportunities to create utopias rely largely on a blank slate, a landscape unimpeded by the inconveniences of existing occupation – or even topography. Christchurch has seen two utopian moments. The first was at the time of European settlement in the mid-nineteenth century, when imported ideals provided a model for a new city. The earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 provided a second point at which utopian dreaming spurred visions for the city. Christchurch’s earthquakes have provided a unique opportunity for a city to re-imagine itself. Yet, as is the fate for all imaginary places, reality got in the way.
A photograph of emergency management personnel walking in a line down Lichfield Street towards the intersection of Madras Street . The members in white hazmat suits are holding their hands over their heads while members of the New Zealand Army take the lead and follow from behind. Rubble from several earthquake-damaged buildings has scattered across the street to the right. Plastic fencing has been placed along the left side of the road as a cordon. In the background there are several earthquake-damaged buildings along Lichfield Street.
A photograph of the entrance to Cowles Stadium on Pages Road. The stadium was set up by Civil Defence to serve as temporary accommodation for people displaced by the 4 September 2010 earthquake. Signs on the door read, "Civil Defence", "If you are unwwell with flu or cold, please go to the doctor and not enter" and "Welcome to Cowles Stadium. Earthquake affected people only - you must register with Red Cross to receive help. Other help go to Winz office, 154 Aldwins Road, Linwood. Please, no alcohol, no drugs on site. Food and drinks only in designated areas".
These research papers explore the concept of vulnerability in international human rights law. In the wake of the Christchurch earthquakes of 2010-2011, this research focuses on how "vulnerability" has been used and developed within the wider human rights discourse. They also examine jurisprudence of international human rights bodies, and how the concept of "vulnerability" has been applied. The research also includes a brief investigation into the experiences of vulnerable populations in disaster contexts, focusing primarily on the experiences of "vulnerable persons" in the Christchurch earthquakes and their aftermath.
As a result of the Canterbury earthquakes, over 60% of the concrete buildings in the Christchurch Central Business District have been demolished. This experience has highlighted the need to provide guidance on the residual capacity and repairability of earthquake-damaged concrete buildings. Experience from 2010 Chile indicates that it is possible to repair severely damaged concrete elements (see photo at right), although limited testing has been performed on such repaired components. The first phase of this project is focused on the performance of two lightly-reinforced concrete walls that are being repaired and re-tested after damage sustained during previous testing.
A photograph of a plaque dedicate to those who lost their lives in City Mall during the earthquake of 22 February 2011. The plague is located under a tree in Re:START mall.
A photograph and flowers are attached to a fence on the anniversary of the 22 February 2011 earthquake. A message on the photograph reads, "Some of the guys who found you!! Thank you!".
A crushed car outside the Stand Gourmet Takeout and Cafe on Norwich Quay in Lyttelton. The front wall of the top storey crumbled during the earthquake and landed on top of the car.
A photograph of a film crew recording outside the Christchurch Art Gallery on Montreal Street. The Art Gallery was used as the temporary headquarters for Civil Defence after the 22 February 2011 earthquake.
A dislodged boulder from the cliffs behind Sumner Returned Services' Association car park. The bolder fell from the cliff during the 22 February 2011 earthquake, crushing the local substation and burying several cars.
A view across the Avon River from Avonside Drive to a Port-a-loo that has been set up for residents without functioning sewers as a result of the 4 September 2010 earthquake.
A large crack in the ground at Sullivan Park in Avonside which has resulted from the 4 September 2010 earthquake. Remnants of liquefaction silt can be seen around the edges of the crack.
A large crack in the ground at Sullivan Park in Avonside which has resulted from the 4 September 2010 earthquake. Remnants of liquefaction silt can be seen around the edges of the crack.
A photograph of a balance weight on the side of the lower end of the main tube from the Townsend Telescope. The weight and tube were damaged during the 22 February 2011 earthquake.
A photograph of a balance weight on the side of the lower end of the main tube from the Townsend Telescope. The weight and tube were damaged during the 22 February 2011 earthquake.
A photograph of students outside one of the "pods" of temporary classrooms and offices at Kirkwood Village. The pods were constructed at the University of Canterbury campus following the 22 February 2011 earthquake.
A photograph of a sign describing the earthquake memorial created on the former site of St Luke's church. The memorial is in the form of 185 pieces of stone recovered from the church.
A photograph of an open sign for CIRA Coffee & Wares on a residential street in the Christchurch central city. The café was set up in a house after the 22 February 2011 earthquake.
A pile of pillows and other supplies in Cowles Stadium on Pages Road. The stadium was set up by Civil Defence as temporary accommodation for citizens displaced by the 4 September 2010 earthquake.
A photograph of earthquake damage to a road in Christchurch. A hole has been filled with gravel, and a road cone placed on top. In the background, cracks and liquefaction can be seen.
A photograph of the earthquake damage to a house in Christchurch. The front and side of the house has collapsed, the bricks and other rubble spilling onto the garden, exposing the rooms inside.
A photograph of the earthquake damage to a block of shops on Manchester Street. The top storey of the shops has collapsed and the bricks and other rubble have spilled onto the street.
An aerial photograph of the central city. Seats set up in Latimer Square in preparation for the commemoration of the anniversary of the 22 February 2011 earthquake can be seen on the left.
A large crack in the ground at Sullivan Park in Avonside which has resulted from the 4 September 2010 earthquake. Remnants of liquefaction silt can be seen around the edges of the crack.
A photograph of an earthquake damaged house in Christchurch. USAR codes have been spray painted on the front wall. A red sticker in the window indicates that the building is unsafe to enter.
A photograph of boxes and office supplies inside the Christchurch Art Gallery on Montreal Street. The Art Gallery was used as the temporary headquarters for Civil Defence after the 22 February 2011 earthquake.
A photograph of the earthquake damage to St John the Baptist Church on Hereford Street near Latimer Square. The top of the tower has crumbled, the masonry spilling onto the lawn in front.
A sign attached to a power pole on Avonside Drive reading, "Low power lines". The footpath around it has cracked and sunk in places as a result of the 4 September 2010 earthquake.
A photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "Earthquake damage to River Road in Richmond, next to the Avon River. A pipe along the footpath is being used to supply water to residents temporarily".
A photograph of luggage from the volunteers of the Wellington Emergency Management Office who travelled to Christchurch after the 22 February 2011 earthquake. Items include several bags, a teddy bear, and a guitar.