Transitional Cathedral, Christchurch, New Zealand
Shigeru Ban's — Emergency Architecture.
Make a donation | Site WebCam
Shigeru Ban's — Emergency Architecture.
Make a donation | Site WebCam
Work on the Transitional Cathedral Project continues at a steady pace. Although a completion date cannot be given, we are in the later stages of the build. The polycarbonate roof is progressing well and close to 70% complete. Pouring the first part of the floor slab went well. Activity is currently focused on the foyer area. Most of this work is clearly visible from the street. A regular flow of visitors can be seen daily around the site. Cathedral Guides are present daily at the site to greet visitors and answer questions on the build. If you're a visitor to Christchurch, the Transitional Cathedral is situated in the central city on the corner of Hereford and Madras streets - south end of Latimer Square.
Internationally recognised Japanese architect Shigeru Ban was contacted early in May 2011 and invited to assist ChristChurch Cathedral in the aftermath of the Feb 22nd earthquake. He quickly agreed to travel to New Zealand for discussions. As a result, the ‘Cardboard Cathedral’ project was born. Shigeru has since the mid 1980’s , been involved in ‘Emergency Architecture’, designing ‘temporary’ structures in disaster zones around the world.
Cathedral worship takes place in the Christ's College Chapel, cnr Rolleston Ave and Gloucester St.
Sunday June 16: 11.00am - Commonwealth Service. 5.00pm - Choral Night Prayer. Tuesday June 18: 12.05pm Holy Communion with prayers for healing, 5.30pm Choral Evensong sung by the Cathedral Choir. Wednesday June 19: 12.05pm - Holy Communion in the Celtic style. Thursday June 20: 5.30pm Choral Evensong sung by the Gentlemen of the Choir. Friday June 21: 12.05pm - Holy Communion (New Zealand Prayer Book). Sunday June 23: 8.00am Holy Communion, 11.00am - Choral Eucharist and Baptism, 5.00pm - Choral Evensong.
The Cardboard Cathedral will be the first substantial “re-build” in the wake of the earthquake and a powerful symbol of hope for a rebuilt, renewed Christchurch. On the announcement that a site had been found for Shigeru's innovative building, an immediate response occurred around the world. Cathedral staff received interest from every continent. The world is watching and willing us on as we slowly but surely rebuild lives and structures. The Cardboard Cathedral is a vital element in this process of rebirth and recovery. We look forward enthusiastically to its completion and thank all who have given, and continue to give support.
Cardboard is an ideal building material because it’s readily available, recyclable and surprisingly strong. “The strength of the building has nothing to do with the strength of the material,” says Shigeru Ban. “Even concrete buildings can be destroyed by earthquakes very easily. But paper buildings cannot be destroyed by earthquakes.” It’s also consistently low-cost. When the 'Cardboard Cathedral' project was announced, many were concerned that the structure would 'go soggy in the rain' Quite the contrary. The over 90 enormous 600mm diameter, 20 metre tubes are protected by a polycarbonate roof above, and very solid concrete floor below. Sturdy LVL (laminated veneer lumber) inserted beams, lend further substantial support to these tubes. The Cardboard Cathedral will also be one of the safest buildings in the city. It is being built to last 50 plus years and to 100% of the earthquake code. Definitely safe, not soggy.
There is strong resolve to rebuild a Cathedral in the City's centre if the land is found to be stable following the destructive earthquakes and aftershocks of 2010 and 2011. Details on the process toward rebuilding can be found on the Christchurch Diocesan website: http://blogs.anglicanlife.org.nz/cathedral/
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Around 200 volunteers support the Transitional Cathedral's life and work. They assist in different ways - some support the services and the choir, while many enjoy greeting visitors as Transitional Cathedral guides, as shop assistant / receptionists or as ushers at evening events. Others work as cleaners or look after the garden.
If you're interested in becoming a volunteer working with the Transitional Cathedral's visitors, it would be good to hear from you. Contact Nicky Lee, Volunteer Manager.
Tel. 353 7883 DDI
The Transitional Cathedral is located at 234 Hereford Street. An easy walk from the any point in the central city, the Cathedral sits at the southern end of Latimer Square, beside the future 'Green Frame'. Travel to the central city from the airport takes around 20 minutes by bus or taxi.
CONTACT - will take you to 234 Hereford St in Google Maps
The Transitional Cathedral is only a five minute walk away from the site of the seriously damaged Cathedral in the Square. Walk northwest through Latimer Square to Worcester Street. 500 metres along Worcester St you'll see the damaged stone Cathedral.
CONTACT - will take you to a street view of the Cathedral in the Square showing both 'pre earthquake' and 'current'
Re:START is a temporary retail area constructed out of shipping containers. This unique shopping experience offers great cafes, a range of specialty gifts stores and a selection of fashion boutiques. Walk south from the Transitional Cathedral along Madras St to Tuam St. Turn right into Tuam. Walk along to Colombo, right, then second left into Re:START.
CONTACT - takes you to the Re:START website
Mailing Address - PO Box 855, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Cathedral Address - Cnr Madras and Hereford Streets, Christchurch, New Zealand
Office Address - Cnr Gloucester and Montreal Streets, Christchurch, New Zealand
Email - admin@christchurchcathedral.co.nz
Tel - +64 3 366 0046
The Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch. For information, check out their website by clicking CONTACT.
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Donations in support of the 'Transitional 'Cardboard' Cathedral are urgently sought. Christchurch has suffered enormous damage. The entire central city has been decimated and along with it, our Cathedral heart. We need your support. Please partner us in this important project by making a donation. Thank you.