City architecture

Press, 26 July 1989, Page 16

City architecture

Sir,—Robert J. Weir said (July 20): “Surely new buildings will change our city to an upmarket, progressive community in tune with the twentieth century." I agree, but with a forwardlooking tune: "Surely new buildings should be so designed that they will set the architectural theme song for the twenty-first century.” Twentieth-century Christchurch has had architects who have put New Zealand on the international map. I believe there are innovative, inspired, think-big young Christchurch architects who see "laying the foundation stone for world architecture” in the twenty-first century as an exciting challenge. And opportunity knocks right now. Christchurch must play a prominent role in tourism; Christchurch urgently needs a new art gallery. An effective way of achieving these goals is for our new buildings to be “exciting,” “impeccable,” “unrivalled,” “unique.” They are attainable. I believe we have Christchurch architects who will qualify for the international architects’ “leader board” of the twentyfirst century.—Yours, etc., J. K. MOIR. July 23, 1989.