Futures for Historic architecture (2017)

Futures for historical architecture (2017)

Ross Stevens

This research was initially conceived as a direct response to the devastating Christchurch earthquakes, which inflicted severe damage on the nationally cherished cathedral. The loss of this historic landmark resonated deeply with the local and national community, as the cathedral had long stood as a symbol of cultural and architectural heritage. The widespread destruction created a profound sense of collective grief, reinforcing the emotional and historical significance of the structure. Alongside the shared mourning, there emerged a powerful desire to restore what had been lost and to return to a sense of normalcy. However, the earthquakes also delivered an undeniable truth—New Zealand’s land was not as stable as once believed. This realization necessitated a fresh approach to construction, one that balanced resilience with respect for architectural history.

The research explored innovative methodologies for restoring and maintaining historic monuments in a way that was both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. The goal was not just to rebuild what was lost but also to pioneer forward-thinking solutions applicable to both historic restorations and future construction in earthquake-prone regions of New Zealand.

One of the central proposals of this research involved leveraging photogrammetry to digitally reconstruct the cathedral using historical images captured by individuals from across New Zealand and beyond. The initiative would have encouraged people to contribute their personal photographs of the cathedral, which would then be processed through photogrammetry software. This technology could create a highly detailed 3D model by digitally stitching together these images, effectively reconstructing the cathedral’s intricate architectural elements with remarkable accuracy. Beyond addressing the structural damage, the research also questioned the sustainability and environmental impact of traditional restoration practices. The proposal introduced an innovative use of recycled materials, specifically repurposed PET plastic from discarded drink bottles, as a means of fostering both ecological responsibility and public participation. By collecting PET waste from communities throughout New Zealand, individuals could actively contribute to the reconstruction, fostering a deeper emotional connection to the project. Once the plastic was processed and reground, it could be used in large-scale fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing to recreate architectural elements with exceptional precision. These 3D-printed components would offer several advantages over traditional materials: they would be lightweight, durable, cost-effective, and carry a significantly lower environmental footprint