Placemaking as Prototyping; An Exploration of Performing Arts in Christchurch, New Zealand

Abstract

Placemaking initiatives in post-earthquake Christchurch (2011 onwards) have played a significant role in uniting the community and re-establishing a sense of place within the central city. Further to this, these temporary urban interventions have also played a role in shaping the regeneration of the central city. Placemaking initiatives in post-disaster Christchurch have allowed a low-risk, often low-cost testing ground for future ‘permanent’ solutions for the regenerated city. The idea of placemaking as prototyping is first explored in this thesis through the study of relevant literature and examination of both national and international precedent studies. Key learnings from these studies form a framework upon which to build a design proposal that can respond to these ideas. The design response of this thesis is focused on Christchurch’s proposed Performing Arts Precinct. Placemaking projects made during the recovery of Christchurch have brought about new experimental and diverse types of performing arts. There is a need for a permanent venue that will accommodate this experimental and inclusive type of performance. It must continue to benefit the community, the artists involved, as well as the continued regeneration of Christchurch in general. The proposed Performing Arts Precinct design is a transitional temporary theatre venue which is sympathetic to the five key drivers set out in the Vision for the Performing Arts Precinct document. As a venue, it is inclusive to all types of performing arts and, in doing so, attracts a diverse audience. This is key to forging a new and prosperous future for Christchurch, as well as the city’s performing arts scene. This transitional temporary theatre allows the city to prototype whether this type of performing arts venue deserves a permanent home. It also tests if the building has a positive and meaningful contribution to the Performing Arts Precinct and the regeneration of the wider central city.