Instead of concentrating on the buildings destroyed in and after the earthquakes in Christchurch's CBD, a new event is enticing people back to explore the heritage buildings that have survived. A new organisation, Te Putahi, is behind the Open Christchurch programme that celebrates the city's surviving architecture, starting with inner-city schools throwing open their doors to the public. Architectural historian and co-founder of Te Putahi, Dr Jessica Halliday tells Lynn Freeman they hope to encourage discussion around well-designed spaces and their impacts on peoples' lives. Open Christchurch starts next Sunday with a tour of The Cathedral Grammar Junior School.
Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "5 Norwich Quay, Lyttelton, Harbourmasters Building. This building is scheduled to 'partially demolish' - heritage building".
Damage to the Repertory Theatre building. Part of the facade has collapsed onto the awning below, and bricks and masonry have spilled across the street. The building is cordoned off with road cones and police tape.
A photograph of the damaged Cranmer Courts buildings. The damaged gables are supported by straps.
A photograph of the damaged Cranmer Courts buildings. The damaged gables are supported by straps.
A photograph of the damaged Cranmer Courts buildings. The damaged gables are supported by straps.
A photograph of the damaged Cranmer Courts buildings. The damaged gables are supported by bracing.
A photograph of the damaged Cranmer Courts buildings. The damaged gables are supported by straps and bracing.
A photograph of the damaged Cranmer Courts buildings. Tarpaulins cover damaged areas of the roof and gables.
A photograph of the damaged Cranmer Courts buildings. The damaged gables are supported by straps and bracing.
A photograph of the damaged Cranmer Courts buildings. The damaged gables are supported by straps and bracing.
A photograph of the damaged Cranmer Courts buildings. The damaged gables are supported by straps and bracing.
A photograph of the damaged Cranmer Courts buildings. The damaged gables are supported by straps and bracing.
Heritage buildings on Hereford Street, still standing.
Heritage buildings on Hereford Street, still standing.
A black and white historic photograph of the public viewing the 1931 election results posted on The Press building, taken ca. 1931 by The Press (Christchurch).
A black and white historic photograph of buildings in Cathedral Square, Christchurch, circa 1920s. From left to right: The Weekly Press, H M Customs, Christchurch Tramway Board/Lyttelton Harbour Board.
The old Public Trust Office building on Oxford Terrace.
One building left standing in an otherwise empty block.
A photograph of the damaged Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings.
A photograph of the damaged Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings.
A photograph of a heritage building on Hereford Street.
A photograph of the damaged Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings.
A photograph of the damaged Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings.
A photograph of the damaged Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings.
A photograph of a heritage building on Hereford Street.
A photograph of a heritage building on Hereford Street.
A photograph of a heritage building on Hereford Street.
A photograph of a heritage building on Hereford Street.
A photograph of a heritage building on Hereford Street.