A series of earthquakes has forced Christchurch to re-plan and rebuild. Discussions about rebuilding strategies have emphasized the intention of making it a city for the future, sustainable and vibrant. This paper discusses the relationship between microclimate and urban culture in Christchurch based upon the concept of urban comfort. It explores the relationships between environment, people and culture to help understand the local requirements for urban landscape design. In this paper we claim that cultural requirements also should be taken into account when looking for sustainable strategies. A distinctive feature of this research is its focus on the way people are adapting to both surviving prequake and new post‐quake environments. Preliminary findings from the first year of field work using participant observation and 61 in‐depth interviews with Christchurch residents are presented. The interviews were carried out in a variety of urban settings including: established sites (places sustaining relatively little damage) and emerging sites (those requiring rebuilding) during 2011‐2012. Evidence from the interviews highlight future challenges regarding sustainability and urban comfort issues. Post‐quake Christchurch presents a remarkable opportunity to design an urban landscape which provides environmental, economic, social and cultural sustainability. However, to achieve successful outcomes it is fundamental to respond to the local culture. Field data suggest that the strong connections between urban and rural settings present in local culture, lifestyle and landscape generate a particular aesthetic and recreation preference for urban spaces, which should be considered in the urban landscape design strategies.
A photograph of Whole House Reuse item 490. This item was salvaged from 19 Admiral Way in New Brighton as part of the Whole House Reuse project.
A photograph of Whole House Reuse item 491. This item was salvaged from 19 Admiral Way in New Brighton as part of the Whole House Reuse project.
A photograph of Whole House Reuse item 492. This item was salvaged from 19 Admiral Way in New Brighton as part of the Whole House Reuse project.
A photograph of Whole House Reuse item 482. This item was salvaged from 19 Admiral Way in New Brighton as part of the Whole House Reuse project.
A photograph of Whole House Reuse item 483. This item was salvaged from 19 Admiral Way in New Brighton as part of the Whole House Reuse project.
A photograph of Whole House Reuse item 485. This item was salvaged from 19 Admiral Way in New Brighton as part of the Whole House Reuse project.
A photograph of Whole House Reuse item 486. This item was salvaged from 19 Admiral Way in New Brighton as part of the Whole House Reuse project.
A photograph of Whole House Reuse item 489. This item was salvaged from 19 Admiral Way in New Brighton as part of the Whole House Reuse project.
A photograph of Whole House Reuse item 484. This item was salvaged from 19 Admiral Way in New Brighton as part of the Whole House Reuse project.
A photograph of Whole House Reuse item 494. This item was salvaged from 19 Admiral Way in New Brighton as part of the Whole House Reuse project.
A photograph of Whole House Reuse item 487. This item was salvaged from 19 Admiral Way in New Brighton as part of the Whole House Reuse project.
A crowd watching a busker perform in the Re:Start mall during the World World Buskers Festival.
A digital copy of a pen and ink and watercolour painting by Raymond Morris, titled, 'Poplars Apartments, Madras Street'.
A photograph of Whole House Reuse item 488. This item was salvaged from 19 Admiral Way in New Brighton as part of the Whole House Reuse project.
Chairs from '185 Empty Chairs', Pete Majendie's art installation commemorating those who died in the earthquake.
Chairs from '185 Empty Chairs', Pete Majendie's art installation commemorating those who died in the earthquake.
A photograph tied to the security fence around Riccarton House. The photographer comments, "There were photographs all along the line of the fence - I assume it was some sort of art exhibition, but I couldn't see any signs, or information on the artist(s)".
A photograph tied to the security fence around Riccarton House. The photographer comments, "There were photographs all along the line of the fence - I assume it was some sort of art exhibition, but I couldn't see any signs, or information on the artist(s)".
A photograph tied to the security fence around Riccarton House. The photographer comments, "There were photographs all along the line of the fence - I assume it was some sort of art exhibition, but I couldn't see any signs, or information on the artist(s)".
Chairs from '185 Empty Chairs', Pete Majendie's art installation commemorating those who died in the earthquake.
Mike Hewson's installation, "Old Public Toilets", on the site of a demolished building on Hereford Street.
A wind sculpture on Oxford Terrace, near the Re:Start mall.
Members of the UC CEISMIC team, Han Li and Lucy-Jane Walsh, find the correct position to view Mike Hewson's installation "Deconstruction" from. This artwork gives the illusion that the walkway has been removed.
Members of the UC CEISMIC team, Han Li and Lucy-Jane Walsh, find the correct position to view Mike Hewson's installation "Deconstruction" from. This artwork gives the illusion that the walkway has been removed.
People walk down the newly re-opened Colombo Street. In the distance, Mike Hewson's installation "Deconstruction" can be seen on the walkway between Ballantynes and The Crossing. This artwork gives the illusion that the walkway has been removed.
Mike Hewson's installation "Deconstruction" on the walkway between Ballantynes and The Crossing. This artwork gives the illusion that the walkway has been removed.
People walk down the newly re-opened Colombo Street. In the distance, Mike Hewson's installation "Deconstruction" can be seen on the walkway between Ballantynes and The Crossing. This artwork gives the illusion that the walkway has been removed.
Regan Gentry's Flour Power sculpture on Colombo Street.
Mike Hewson's installation "Government Life Suspension", seen from Oxford Terrace.