OPEN CHCH returns

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Marian College, Sheppard & Rout, 2023. Image: Sarah Rowlands

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Fonua Mana, Bull O’Sullivan Architects, 2022. Image: Peanut Productions

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The University of Canterbury's Erskine Building, Architectus, Cook Hitchcock Sargisson & Perry Royal, 1994. — The University of Canterbury’s Erskine Building, Architectus, Cook Hitchcock Sargisson & Perry Royal, 1994. Image: Courtesy of the University of Canterbury

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Open Christchurch, returns on 3 to 5 May with a bumper programme that invites attendees to discover Ōtautahi through its architecture and designed landscapes.

Close to 50 buildings of different ages, styles and uses will be open for exploration, while guided walks, activities, talks and tours provide opportunities for attendees to delve deeper into the spaces they are visiting.

This year’s programme is all about variety, with a focus on mixed-use developments and adaptive reuse.

The team at Te Pūtahi, the organisation behind Open Christchurch, have pulled together some top sneak peeks for the design community.

>>>Make sure you are in Ōtautahi for the weekend of 3-5 May and keep your eyes peeled for the full programme release on 21 March.>>>

Marian College

Experience the extraordinary Marian College (Sheppard & Rout, 2023), housed in a former supermarket distribution centre. Learn more about this innovative example of adaptive reuse from the architects and enjoy a guided tour through the school.

Oxford Terrace Baptist Church + Housing

Hear from Andrew Barrie on the beautifully constructed Oxford Terrace Baptist Church + Housing (Andrew Barrie Lab, 2017 + 2022). The church as a village is the driving concept behind this multi-use complex, which showcases exemplary finishing and details.

Enjoy a one-off opportunity to fully explore a one-of-a-kind youth facility, dedicated to maintaining and improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

Fonua Mana

Visit Fonua Mana (Bull O’Sullivan Architects, 2022) and experience the architectural vitality of this temporary gathering and worship space that was honoured with a 2023 NZIA national award. Architect Michael O’Sullivan and members of the church community will be on site to tell you more about it.

University of Canterbury’s Erskine Building

Explore the worthy recipient of a NZIA Enduring Architecture award: the University of Canterbury’s Erskine Building (Architectus, Cook Hitchcock Sargisson & Perry Royal, 1994). Timber-clad research cells reference the famous Salk Institute designed by Louis Kahn, while exposed concrete and glazed walls pay homage to the other modernist buildings on campus. Learn from Patrick Clifford (Architectus) and Tim Bell (UC professor) on why the Erskine design is so enduring as they lead a guided tour of the building.