“Built like a brick sh*thouse” was once a phrase used to describe an indestructible building.  Following the Canterbury earthquakes, the phrase was modified and is now used to describe poor buildings: “Built like a sh*t brickhouse”.

Most modern commercial buildings performed very well in the Canterbury quakes.  Typically constructed of reinforced concrete, these buildings were designed to modern thinking incorporating ductile detailing and well-conceived seismic load paths (though not always).  The buildings were designed to provide a high probability of remaining standing in the design level earthquake to allow people to exit the building safely.  This was, and still is, the requirement of today’s codes.  In Christchurch, most modern buildings behaved exactly as they were designed to behave.  They may have been damaged beyond repair (most high-rise buildings in Christchurch are being demolished) and an economic write-off but in general people escaped safely.

The above design philosophy is changing.  No longer is simply allowing people to exit safely the only concern.  Read the rest of this entry »

At Arch Centre, we’re always looking out for ways to making you think about Architecture. Some people practice architecture, others build architecture, while most people just get on with living in it. A select few go about photographing architecture, while another select crowd attempt to teach architecture. Everyone wants a slice of this very delectable pie. Some people do a bit of all of that, having a nibble of every slice, while others restrict themselves to just the one thin slice and stick to just one flavour.

But there is another group. Those very select few who just think about architecture. They sit, they think, they certainly write, and just every now and again, they talk about what they have been sitting and thinking about. We thought that we might share some of those with you today.

A round up of recent international conferences may surprise you. Read the rest of this entry »

We’ve just heard the sad news that Peter Beaven passed away last night. Beaven came to speak to the Arch Centre last year, and we felt privileged at the time to be present. Not only were we amazed at the power of recollection of this 86 year old architectural power house, able to skillfully recall the reason behind virtually every line on a page, drawn 50 years before, but we were also able to witness of the full force of his intellect, with tales of battles that he had fought and won over many years.

Read article on Stuff here. Please feel free to post memories or stories of Peter Beaven here – and as a tribute, we publish here the review from last year’s AGM, of the talk that an incredibly spirited Beaven gave to us all.

“Peter Beaven’s appearance at the Architectural Centre’s AGM this year was a spirited and enjoyable talk, about the very serious subject of Christchurch’s fall from architectural grace. For a man in his 80s, Beaven is still remarkably spritely, and his razor sharp mind is as sharp as ever, bristling with indignation at the foolish comments and actions of the Civil Defence heirachy that has paralysed Christchurch. Read the rest of this entry »