The 224-page hardcover book comprises eight essays covering the post-quake progression from immediate response through to the subsequent architectural contributions. Authors include Bernadette Muir (foreword), Matthew Webby, Jessica Halliday, Charlotte Hoare, Debbie Tikao, Huia Reriti, Yuqi Kong, Jasper van der Lingen, Daniel Crooks, Colin Corsbie and Fritha Powell. Also included are 80 concise catalogue entries sharing the stories of select buildings and their roles in the rebuild, written by contributors such as Fiona Short, Jane Rooney and Vanessa Carswell.

Freerange Press publisher Emma Johnson says the richly illustrated book captures the journey towards a more meaningful melding of people and place, enabled by architecture. “Following the earthquakes and their aftermath, Christchurch’s built fabric was irrevocably changed and the history of its architecture disrupted. Familiar landmarks vanished, whole swathes of the city were red-zoned, heritage buildings were demolished and a sense of dislocation prevailed.”

Johnson says the book covers the architecture that arose during the ongoing rebuild of the city, from schools, libraries and commercial buildings to public realm design.

Shifting Foundations: Post-quake architecture of Ōtautahi Christchurch was released in February and is available from Freerange Press and bookstores throughout the country.

Order your copy through Freerange Press: RRP$50.00.