In response to the Centre of Contemporary Art gallery building turning 50, and the relevance of its modernist architecture to Christchurch, we ask a panel of architects and modernist enthusiasts about those times in Christchurch, the characters practising then, the influence of modern design in the architecture of today, and why it casts a spell over its followers.

The panel discussion will feature some of Christchurch’s leading architects including Alec Bruce of Wilkie and Bruce Architects; David Sheppard of Sheppard and Rout Architects, Matt Arnold, of Sons and Co. Web and Graphic Design, and founder of the Christchurch Modern website, and Karen Henning-Hansen, design lecturer, sort-of architect and daughter of one of the CoCA building’s original architects. The conversation will be compered by Dr Jessica Halliday, an architectural historian, co-founder of Te Putahi, director of the Festival of Transitional Architecture (FESTA), former Trustee and current member of CoCA’s Curatorium.

Presented at CoCA in collaboration with NZIA for the Festival of Architecture week

Tickets $15 including a glass of wine
6-8pm Wednesday 19 September
CoCA 66 Gloucester Street

We would like to acknowledge Mike Callaghan of Athfield Architects for his role in making this possible.