UoA: Case Studies from Post-Earthquake Christchurch

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This chapter explores the role of placemaking as a tool for resilience in post-disaster urban regeneration, using Christchurch, New Zealand, as a case study following the 2010–2011 earthquakes. It examines how community-led temporary and adaptive urbanism initiatives bridged the gap between emergency response and long-term recovery, fostering social capital and civic engagement.

Three key projects - Re:START Mall, the Festival of Transitional Architecture (FESTA), and the Commons - are analysed against the Resilient Greater Christchurch Framework to assess their contributions to connectivity, participation, economic vitality, and adaptive capacity.

Findings highlight that grassroots placemaking not only reactivated urban spaces but also empowered communities, influenced permanent regeneration strategies, and strengthened resilience. The study underscores the critical importance of temporary urbanism and collaborative placemaking in disaster recovery planning.

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