The physical destruction accompanying disasters typically creates an urgency to rebuild and help survivors get back on track. There are inspiring examples of how architects and other built environment professionals have contributed to rebuilding. In many cases their efforts have facilitated the re-establishment of eroded communities and created a sense that things were getting better.

Overview The earthquakes that hit the Canterbury region in 2010/11 destroyed a significant amount of rental housing and damaged many homes. This has resulted in reduced supply, increased demand and increases in rental costs. The average weekly rent in the Greater Christchurch area has increased 31% since August 2010i. Tenants are significantly affected by issues...

This report analyses publicly-released information and interviews people in the visitor and emergency management sectors effected by the Christchurch earthquake. It makes recommendations to enhance the visitor sector’s disaster preparedness capability and to better integrate the particular challenges of the sector into broader emergency management structures. Ultimately, the earthquakes demonstrated that when a natural disaster...

The vision is for central Christchurch to become the thriving heart of an international city. It will draw on its rich natural and cultural heritage, and the skills and passion of its people, to embrace opportunities for innovation and growth. Building on the Christchurch City Council’s draft Central City Plan, and on over 106,000 ideas...

Medium-density housing is a major growth area in New Zealand urban development. As housing density intensifies it is important that design quality improves. This case study is one of three medium-density housing case studies developed by the Ministry for the Environment to support the New Zealand Urban Design Protocol. It presents a successful design solution...