Discover Ōtautahi through its architecture

This yr’s pageant going down 3–5 Might, highlights quite a lot of buildings, landscapes and experiences, with a deal with revolutionary mixed-use and adaptive reuse, and wealthy residential and leisure choices that span 160 years.

Particular architectural encounters embody the prospect to see how a big grocery store distribution centre has been been efficiently reworked into a totally functioning college in an outstanding instance of adaptive reuse at Marian School; an introduction to intergenerational dwelling and housing on ancestral Māori land on the Rāpaki Papakāinga from the whānau who dwell there; a night exploring Ōtautahi’s love affair with Christchurch Trendy homes.

The pageant can be serving up a number of one-off experiences, similar to the prospect to get behind the hoardings throughout building at The Court docket Theatre and to discover the whole thing of the mixed-use Youth Hub, a one-of-a-kind youth facility devoted to sustaining and enhancing the psychological well being and wellbeing of younger folks. Open Christchurch can be providing the uncommon alternative to go contained in the Christ Church Cathedral and listen to in regards to the reinstatement venture from an skilled.

Individuals are invited to discover town in several methods, whether or not that be experiencing the much-loved Washington Skatepark in full swing; exploring the joyful Te Raekura Redcliffs College with whānau or on an architectural tour; discovering the meals hub Ōtākaro Orchard by the senses or taking guided walks by the award-winning Fonua Mana Tongan Church or Erskine Constructing on the College of Canterbury.

These are simply among the highlights to look within the annual one-weekend-only pageant, offered by Te Pūtahi — Centre for Structure & Metropolis-Making.

Open Christchurch begins with a particular night lecture at Te Puna Wānaka on Friday 3 Might from Professor Albert Refiti that considers the historical past and presence of Pacific structure throughout the Moana and in Aotearoa, and continues with its full programme on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 Might. Fifty buildings of various ages, types, and makes use of will probably be open for the general public to expertise without spending a dime, other than a handful of personal residences that require a small reserving payment.

Two different particular occasions supply other ways of fascinated about Christchurch’s constructed legacy. ‘A love affair with Christchurch Trendy homes’ examines what it’s to like, dwell in and take care of mid-century dwellings, whereas New Foundations sees 5 younger storytellers sharing their reflections on structure in a quickfire celebration of phrases and the metropolis.

4 guided walks discover other ways of seeing our metropolis, whereas three designed landscapes supply different methods of contemplating our city areas. The Summit Indicators seize the historical past of conservation and recreation within the Port Hills. Audio-described excursions discover Marian School and Tūranga for many who are blind and low-vision, whereas a New Zealand Signal Language tour is on supply at Papa Hou, a exceptional mixed-use neighborhood facility.

Outdated favourites embody behind-closed-doors entry to the Observatory Resort on the Arts Centre and college corridor of residence School Home, structure excursions with Michael O’Sullivan on the vibrant, compact and finely crafted Te Hohepa Kōhanga Reo, and the prospect to speak with the Mayor and Councillors on the Te Hononga Civic Constructing. Over 40 actions, similar to talks, excursions, exhibitions and workshops, present further methods to study in regards to the metropolis’s structure.

Different highlights embody culturally, traditionally and architecturally essential buildings that aren’t typically open without spending a dime to the general public, such because the placing artwork deco constructing throughout from Margaret Mahy — the Former MED Converter and Substation Constructing, full with structure excursions and a behind-the-scenes have a look at the NZME studio, in addition to Rangi Ruru’s Te Koraha. Oxford Terrace Baptist Church neighborhood opens up its flats on bookable excursions and shares manaakitanga with attendees by a BBQ and structure speak.

Te Pūtahi director Jessica Halliday says, “Open Christchurch is an opportunity to come across town by structure and designed areas. Because of the generosity of our constructing companions, now we have a big selection of buildings to discover in 2024. Most don’t require reserving — so simply plan your weekend and switch up. This yr we’re happy to supply myriad methods to find and study structure and the constructed setting, together with an architectural treasure hunt within the central metropolis designed for kids and whānau.”

Occasion organisers encourage residents and guests to check the programme and web site to create their very own itinerary of highlights in order that they’ll uncover town in new methods.

Buildings are open at completely different occasions throughout the weekend, bookable actions are timetabled and a handful of buildings require advance bookings.

Open Christchurch celebrates our particular locations and native structure, and the story of town over time.

Go to openchch.nz for bookings, building-specific accessibility and extra info.