Why are ruins so captivating, so haunting? Do we only realise what is precious after it starts showing signs of decay? Is it only precious when it starts to decay? Or when it is gone, and no longer exists in the material world? Is this just nostalgia?
The Unknown City
'we must treat the city and architecture as a ‘possibilities machine,’ as what Lefebvre refers to as an oeuvre – a place of artistic production in its wildest sense, where the “texture” of the city is its creation of time-spaces through the appropriate activities of its inhabitants... architecture then emerges not as an object, not as a thing, but as a flow - or, more properly, as a flow within other flows - the merely apparent pattern of a much more complex set of forces, dynamics, and interrelations within the spaces of the city'
'we must treat the city and architecture as a ‘possibilities machine,’ as what Lefebvre refers to as an oeuvre – a place of artistic production in its wildest sense, where the “texture” of the city is its creation of time-spaces through the appropriate activities of its inhabitants... architecture then emerges not as an object, not as a thing, but as a flow - or, more properly, as a flow within other flows - the merely apparent pattern of a much more complex set of forces, dynamics, and interrelations within the spaces of the city'
-> So what happens when this 'flow' is disrupted by an earthquake? We are not dealing with a typical situation here.
thinking...
1. explore approaches, figure out my own approach (in theory and in design), precedents, research on cities/city development and 'natural' life cycle of buildings
2. explore approach in relation to site(s) (design), multiple solutions? one in more depth?
3. how that may apply to the bigger picture, the city of Christchurch. Implications.
Jenny Harper, director of Christchurch gallery
Thinking of heritage buildings, we might consider the potential of a ‘picturesque ruin’. What about the Provincial Chambers? It was a wonderful building in a wonderful location, but is attempting to repair or restore it after such a catastrophic failure inappropriate and even vulgar? The ruined stone portion might be retained, stabilized and made safe, but then left empty, with seating for people with wild flowers growing, a memorial experience that could help
explain the earthquake to our children and grandchildren for years to come: “This is what happened in 2011”. It’s a
prime candidate, with proximity to the river. Perhaps there may be a great new public library and an outside café
opposite. It could become a memorial place, a site of contemplation which is within and part of the city. There is
something compelling about the idea of walking in the city and walking past one or two picturesque ruins. It may be a strategy to consider.
thinking...
1. explore approaches, figure out my own approach (in theory and in design), precedents, research on cities/city development and 'natural' life cycle of buildings
2. explore approach in relation to site(s) (design), multiple solutions? one in more depth?
3. how that may apply to the bigger picture, the city of Christchurch. Implications.
Jenny Harper, director of Christchurch gallery
Thinking of heritage buildings, we might consider the potential of a ‘picturesque ruin’. What about the Provincial Chambers? It was a wonderful building in a wonderful location, but is attempting to repair or restore it after such a catastrophic failure inappropriate and even vulgar? The ruined stone portion might be retained, stabilized and made safe, but then left empty, with seating for people with wild flowers growing, a memorial experience that could help
explain the earthquake to our children and grandchildren for years to come: “This is what happened in 2011”. It’s a
prime candidate, with proximity to the river. Perhaps there may be a great new public library and an outside café
opposite. It could become a memorial place, a site of contemplation which is within and part of the city. There is
something compelling about the idea of walking in the city and walking past one or two picturesque ruins. It may be a strategy to consider.
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