After years of rebuilding from the devastating earthquake that hit the city in February 2011, the city of Christchurch in New Zealand has announced an open competition to design a memorial to the 185 people that lost their lives in the tragedy. The $3.5 million memorial will be situated in the city center on the banks of the Ōtākaro-Avon River, and is expected to be "a thoughtfully designed space where small groups or individuals can pay respect to those who died," but will also "comfortably fit a crowd of around 2,000 people" to host an annual memorial gathering, as well as other events.
More details after the break
The destruction of Christchurch occurred due to a series of earthquakes on a previously unknown tectonic fault, with the most devastating shock coming on the 22nd of February 2011, with 185 fatalities. The city center was cordoned off until July 2013 while the damage was cleared, with only 20% of the buildings still standing, and major rebuilding efforts are well underway including the recently completed temporary cathedral by Shigeru Ban.
Registration for the competition closes on the 12th August, with submissions closing on the 22nd. Full details on the contest can be found on the competition home page.
