Architecture of New Zealand

The architecture of New Zealand, though influenced by various cultures, expresses predominantly European styles. Polynesian influences emerge in some areas.

Architectural education

Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Auckland train future architects.

Regional styles and building materials
University of Otago Registry Building

Many of the more imposing structures in and around Dunedin and Christchurch were built in the latter part of the 19th century as a result of the economic boom following the Central Otago Gold Rush. A common style for these landmarks is the use of dark basalt blocks and facings of cream-coloured Oamaru stone, a form of limestone mined at Weston in North Otago. Notable buildings in this style include Dunedin Railway Station, the University of Otago Registry Building, Christchurch Arts Centre, Knox Church, Dunedin, ChristChurch Cathedral, Christchurch, Christ's College, Christchurch, Garrison Hall, Dunedin, parts of the Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings and Otago Boys' High School. Several more recent buildings have mimicked this style by using brick in place of basalt, but using lighter stone facings in an identical style to the older structures. Notable among these buildings are Otago Girls' High School and the Timaru Basilica. This region was able to call upon the talents of many fine architects during this period, among them Robert Lawson, Francis Petre, Benjamin Mountfort, and George Troup.

The St Mary's Basilica in Invercargill was designed by Francis Petre, a renowned New Zealand architect.

Oamaru stone, despite its susceptibility to the elements, is used as a major construction material on several fine buildings, most obviously in the town of Oamaru itself. The historic sector of this town contains numerous fine buildings built in this creamy stone, among them the Forrester Gallery and Waitaki District Council building. Waitaki Boys' High School is also a prime example of the use of Oamaru stone architecture.

Sustainable building
Main article: Green building in New Zealand

Earthquake damage

Napier and Christchurch have suffered damage to numerous heritage buildings as a result of earthquakes. Napier was rebuilt after a 1931 earthquake in an Art Deco style, which was popular at that time. The Otago town of Ranfurly, which expanded during the 1930s, is also noted for its Art Deco architecture. The 2010 Canterbury earthquake and the 2011 Christchurch earthquake damaged many buildings in Christchurch as well as in the Canterbury region.

Organisations

See also

References
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