Cardboard Cathedral, Christchurch, New Zealand
Shigeru Ban's — Emergency Architecture.
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Shigeru Ban's — Emergency Architecture.
Make a donation | Site WebCam
Christchurch, New Zealand was hit on 4 September 2010 by an earthquake measuring 7.1 on the reichter scale. There began a ‘swarm’ of quakes in the region, now numbering over 10,500. On February 22nd, 2011 a 6.3 aftershock destroyed much of the Christchurch CBD. 185 people died as a result. The city’s Cathedral suffered catastrophic damage. Two years later, it remains in its damaged state as plans to make the structure safe slowly unfold.
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.
The Transitional 'Cardboard' Cathedral project is well underway. Construction on the foundations began in July 2012. When completed the building will stand as an important symbol of hope for the city and region. Some funding for the project has been secured and we have stepped out in confidence hoping that the national and international community will assist us in this time of need. Donations are warmly are invited and can be made by clicking on the 'Make a Donation' button above.
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/
There has been much generous support for the 'Cardboard Cathedral' project thus far. As this project proceeds, it will be testament to the commitment and altruism of many.
Since first contacted in May of 2011, Shigeru Ban Architects have worked tirelessly at no cost, on the Transitional 'Cardboard' Cathedral Project. Shigeru, with associate architect Yoshie Narimatsu, has made numerous visits to the city and engaged in ongoing meetings with local consultants. Admired by architects around the world, Shigeru has been working with his partners and employees, on 'emergency architecture' using his signature paper tube designs, for over twenty years. Examples of his commercial and emergency architecture can be found the Shigeru Ban Architects website. Click on VISIT below.
Local Architects Warren & Mahoney have been invaluable partners. Much of their time has been pro bono. When first approached in May of 2011, they immediately offered to assist. Without their guidance and support, progressing the Transitional 'Cardboard Cathedral' would have been impossible.
Beca came on board at the very beginning of this project. They have contributed huge energy and expertise. All work through the formal start of the project was supplied pro bono and their current work as project managers has also been discounted.
Naylor Love Construction stepped up very early in the process. They contributed essential advice in our planning stage pro bono. They have now been engaged as contractors to build the Transitional Cardboard Cathedral and are doing this at cost. Their enthusiasm to pick up a project that is innovative and leading edge and venture into new construction territory is applauded by the Cathedral.
Holmes Fire have provided essential guidance and advice from the very start of this project. This was contributed pro bono. They have been thorough in their activity around finding solutions to complex issues faced with this innovative and challenging build.
The George Hotel provided from the start, free accommodation for Shigeru Ban and associate architect Yoshie Narimatsu. This generous hospitality continues. At September 2012, Shigeru and Yoshie had visited 13 times.
Sonoco is a global provider of paper and other products and manufacturer of the 600mm tubes for the Cardboard Cathedral. Sonoco's Christchurch factory have been part of the project from day one. Engagement with this unique project has provided them with some interesting challenges. Their willingness to extend beyond their normal manufacturing boundaries is greatly appreciated.
Holmes Consulting Group also came on pro bono at the very start of the project. They have always found solutions to complex issues and delivered beyond expectations. Their team have met demanding time frames and worked tirelessly to achieve our desired ends.
Air NZ, our national carrier, provided essential free travel for Shigeru Ban and Yoshie Narimatsu in the early stages of our project. This allowed us to bring them to New Zealand as we undertook a feasibility study into the possibility of building a Transitional Cathedral.
Daniel Smith Cranes have discounted their fee by 50% in support of this project. They are supplying craneage both on site and in the warehouse where cardboard tubes and LVL beams are being assembled.
Carters have engaged enthusiastically with this project providing free and discounted product. On our behalf they are also approaching suppliers seeking support.
Shigeru Ban is an accomplished Japanese and international architect, most famous for his innovative work with paper, particularly recycled cardboard paper tubes used to quickly and efficiently house disaster victims. Shigeru Ban was the winner in 2005 at age 48 of the 40th annual Thomas Jefferson Medal in Architecture from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. He was profiled by Time Magazine in their projection of 21st century innovators in the field of architecture and design.
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.