Christchurch’s inner city came alive in spectacular fashion with LUXCITY, the opening night event for the inaugural Festival of Transitional Architecture (FESTA). The city was decked out with 16 light-based installations designed by architecture and design students from around the country.

Christchurch residents engaged with the memories of old buildings lost to the earthquakes and at the same time were inspired by the new possibilities created by the light sculptures. Since the earthquakes devastated the city, large-scale machinery and cranes have almost become permanent fixtures, but at LUXCITY, they were put to creative use to support and suspend the light elements.

The nine-day Festival continues with a series of public workshops and events, including on-site tours around prominent transitional projects with the people behind them. More information is available here.