Architects 'shattered' by Christchurch's loss

CHARLIE GATES

The life's work of two of New Zealand's most important architects has been largely destroyed in the Canterbury earthquakes.

Modernist architect Sir Miles Warren says the destruction of his built legacy is "dismal", while Peter Beaven is "shattered" by the loss.

Christchurch is renowned for developing a distinctive form of modernist architecture in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

Warren and Beaven were two of the leading exponents of what became known as the Christchurch School, designing many groundbreaking buildings that have now been lost.

Beaven lost the SBS building and the Holiday Inn building in central Christchurch, among others.

Warren'smajor developments in the city included the Canterbury Savings Bank and the Crowne Plaza buildings.

Beaven lost his central-cityoffice in the February quake and has moved to Blenheim.

"I feel shattered really. It is just a huge, shattering loss," he said.

"I have moved to Blenheim. We couldn't cope with Christchurch.

Read more here:
Architects 'shattered' by Christchurch's loss