The devastation in Christchurch caused by the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes is shocking. In the centre, streets have either been completely flattened or are still lined with boarded-up buildings, waiting to be demolished. The cathedral is particularly sad as they haven't decided what to do with it. Many of the more historic building frontages have just been stabilised by stacking shipping containers full of rubble on either side, so that they can be incorporated into the replacement building.
The versatility of shipping crate use is amazing. There's an entire new shopping centre, pub and even a new cathedral made out of them! The city is vibrant, with new buildings going up in the centre. With the new technology, these should survive the future earthquakes.
Oh and we also saw a London bus :-)
Goodness gracious. I had no idea Christchurch was still in such a state four years on. As I understood it, the economy has recovered quicker than many/most after 2008 and all that. But as you say, the Cathedral is a very sad sight. I wonder what the story is? Shipping containers as buildings... Pioneer frontier spirit? Discuss!
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be a very interesting trip.
I think the cathedral is suffering from an argument over who should pay for the repairs. There were a couple of little churches that were in a similar state.
ReplyDeleteWe've seen plenty more shipping containers in use on farms today. Maybe we should convert one into a temporary house at May Hill!