WAN urban design award for Christchurch Blueprint

The Blueprint sets the spatial framework for redeveloping central Christchurch after the devastating Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. WAN said “the judges were blown away with the scale of the proposed framework”, which had to be produced within 100 days as part of the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan.

“The Blueprint provided a strong, innovative and legible response to the urban issues facing the city and its rebuild,” WAN concluded.

“The containment of the core within a 'frame' in particular has been recognised as one of the more significant aspects of the Blueprint Consortium. When aligned with a strong focus on the Avon River, the expectation is for a city which combines the best of urban renewal principles whilst retaining the uniqueness of Christchurch.”

Boffa Miskell Director: Design, Rachel de Lambert, recalls the extraordinary teamwork within the Blueprint 100 team, which comprised architects Warren and Mahoney, Woods Bagot, Populous and Sheppard & Rout Architects as well as RCP project managers.

“We’re proud to receive the endorsement that the Blueprint framework for central Christchurch, produced under such high pressure, is recognised to be of the highest international standard.”

“The Christchurch Central Development Unit is now implementing key components of the Blueprint and we’re excited to be involved in a number of the Anchor Projects including the Avon River Precinct, Justice Precinct and Convention Centre. It is rewarding for us professionally, but most importantly for the people and businesses of Christchurch, to see the framework starting to take shape.”