Welcome to BEFORE AFTER: Let’s build a better Canterbury!

We have endured months of shaking and a number of unforgettable days when the earth shook with unexpected ferocity, causing widespread damage and, for many, a change in our lives and our expectations.

Local architects have produced this exhibition after the September 2010 earthquake together with a discussion series in an attempt to reflect and expand on different ideas for rebuilding Canterbury after the Earth took so much away. The Earth also interrupted the discussion series and dramatically shortened our exhibition!

The intention was to engage with the public to think about the city and the wider region, how it was, how it is and how it could be. We still have a choice: do we just replicate what we had before with all its good and bad points, or do we use this occasion to reassess where we are and try to improve our region?

Following the February earthquake, we had to reassess the validity of our exhibition and whether to restage it. The answer is self evident as here we are. There are a number of reasons for this; firstly, we were looking for feedback from you, the public, and this is always relevant. Secondly, the topics we have cover the region and not just a part of it, such as only the CBD so we are not duplicating some of the other programmes currently asking for public input. Thirdly, we are looking to establish broad concepts that will drive plans rather than come up with specific plans to impose.

There is always room to improve, and as Cantabrians we now have a unique opportunity to make those improvements. Achieving this may require changes in expectations and attitudes, from architects, from the regulators and from all of us who live here.

Any architect starting a new project needs a brief from the client. It is the same with designing change in a city and region: it needs input from the people who inhabit the environment. In this case, all of us are the client. To produce our brief and vision for a better Canterbury we need ideas to be tabled by anyone and these will be questioned and debated publicly. This exhibition and discussion series is our attempt at stimulating the input necessary for a fresh brief for Canterbury.

To simplify the vast number of issues at play we have divided this exhibition into five key areas:

Environmental Planning: making the right use of our land
Urban Design: thinking about the space between our buildings
Heritage and Character: asking what should be happening to our older buildings
Residential: thinking about housing options
Transport and Infrastructure: ensuring all can get around efficiently

Your responses, gained from this exhibition and discussion series, will enable the local architecture community and others concerned to assist in the rebuilding process. This will not only encompass individual buildings but also public spaces, infrastructure and the wider Canterbury environment. It will enable more effective collaboration between design professionals, the public and the region’s authorities.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this vital preparatory stage as we look to build a better Canterbury. We trust we have given you something to reflect on for the future of our region and hope that you take the time to share your thoughts.

Thanks to all those who offered their valued knowledge, thoughts, words, photographs and advice to the project and to all those who will contribute throughout the coming months.