The Grand Urbicolous Hotel

Abstract

Christchurch is a tabula rasa. Awaiting experiences and impressions – both human and built - to inform the inevitably changed image of the city. The February 2011 earthquakes resulted in empty lots piled high with broken spires, stone chimneys and rich timber interiors. The rebuilding process allows architects an opportunity to contribute to Canterbury’s architectural journey and ensure that the vision of the city prioritizes integrity and community rather than time and budget.

Much of a city’s architecture contributes to the overall understanding of ‘place’, home and heritage. These spatial and experiential qualities impact the atmosphere within a city and result in a (dis)-connection within various cultural communities. The motivation behind this design led research is to establish whether an architectural intervention (haunted by the spectre of Benjamin Mountfort) can combine revolutionary 19th century ideals with the contemporary social needs of Christchurch to stand as an example of the city’s cultural and architectural identity. High Street, Christchurch stands as a powerful axial connection between the CBD and the central grid that connects the inner suburbs. It provides an opportunity for development that educates these communities through architecture grounded in the early visions of Canterbury’s most revolutionary architect, Benjamin Mountfort. This research rebuilds and revitalises a city’s’ cultural, spiritual and physical identity. This is tested through design explorations informed by Mountfort’s architectural values and his calculated vision for Canterbury. Initial design explorations assist in the understanding of Mountfort’s physical aspirations for the city, including; irregularity; interaction; purpose; medieval influence; height; and timber as a primary resource. In development the understanding of the formal qualities within Mountfort’s values informed an iterative process of model making. This leads to a deeper understanding of the values that shape social, spiritual and architectural images of Canterbury.

New Zealand’s (and Mountfort’s) primary resource was timber. Testing the material qualities of timber became necessary in understanding architectural limits and opportunities. Material examination leads to formal experiments that are resolved through hand drawing. Developed investigations explore contemporary community demands and the impact of this approach on programme and site. The resulting architectural elements encourage social interaction, producing a more resilient and vibrant city center.

A hotel type is used to accommodate Mountfort while simultaneously responding to temporary requirements of tourists, locals and inner city businesses. The final stage of the design extended the scope of investigation to the surrounding context. Identifying the opportunities found within future council plans for the CBD allows for an understanding of Christchurch’s contemporary conditions.

The design produced as a result of this research, encompasses opportunity to connect to our architectural past, present and future. Through the presence of Mountfort, Christchurch’s identity is recaptured through the unique programmatic qualities of a boutique hotel.