CIVIC CENTRE

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25741, 1 March 1949, Page 6

CIVIC CENTRE

Architect’s Concept Of Design

“NOT JUST A BLOCK OF BUILDINGS ” [By R. S. D. HARMAN.]

Conversations I have had since certain remarks upon the proposed Town Hall and the Civic Centre appeared over my name* in “The Press” of February 24 have led me to believe that at least two misconceptions on these subjects are fairly general. Civic Centre. —A civic centre is not just the block of buildings comprising the various municipal departments and offices; it is the whole area adjacent to these buildings. If the municipal building is so fortunately placed as to front upon an open space (as can be the case with Christchurch), then all. or at least the greater part, of the other buildings round that space should be of a public or semipublic character. Such might inciude a national theatre, an opera house, library, art gallery, police offices and court building, Government offices, etc. Which would appear in one Civic Centre and which in another would depend upon local conditions; each is entitled to a dignified facade and could be one component of a unified and impressive whole. Such an effect would be less likely to be achieved if much of the perimeter of a Civic Square were left to the fancies of independent firms or individuals. This perimeter should be subject to civic control. Town Hall. —With private citizens or companies the architect is usually called into make the best job he can, after a property has been acquired. It is better if his advice is sought before purchase; but most frequently he is not. or cannot be brought into the picture until after the preliminary steps are completed. But with a city, which has very wide powers to acquire land for civic purposes, the procedure should be to consult first and purchase second—particularly when the land under consideration is covered with only temporary types of dwellings with.practically no heavily-constructed buildings of steel and reinforced concrete. Under these conditions the architect and his specialised brother, the townplanner, are best used by being called in early and asked to draw up a comprehensive scheme for a Civic Centre. When the broad, general layout is settled, the municipality can set about acquiring the necessary land. And if the municipality does not stipulate that its own buildings (the I very heart of all things civic) should form a focal point to as many streets as possible, and occupy the most prominent and dominating position, it is missing (on behalf of the citizens) an opportunity which is their right. To stipulate before any broad survey is made or preliminary planning done that our municipal buildings (including the Town Hall) shall be in a non-dominating position at one end of one side of a magnificent open space (as the report in “The Press” of February 22 suggests), is, in my opinion, tragically cramping professional assistance (which is waiting to be used) and hurling away a golden opportunity which natural configuration has denied our three sister cities. Herein lies my strong objection to the scheme, as released to Uie public. For the past 50 years the growth of the city has been to the east. The railway, with but one vehicular crossing between Colombo street and Wilson’s road, forms a barrier which will force the business area northwards. These ’observations are facts. Though some may argue otherwise, it is at least a reasonable inference that Latimer square will be well in the heart of the business area by the year 2050. I personally favour this site and believe not only that its entire and comprehensive development as a Civic Centre, with a Town Hall and municipal buildings dominating in a manner not seen elsewhere in New Zealand, is practicable, but that it is our due.