A quick look at some upcoming events in the world of architecture and urbanism:
27-30th October
is the inaugural ‘crit week’ at the Victoria School of Architecture, where the architecture, interior architecture and landscape architecture students present our final projects for the year. In addition, public lectures are running at 6pm on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Be sure to click the image to the right for a full view of the schedule.
30th October
is the deadline for public input on the proposed Manners Mall changes. Making a submission is surprisingly easy, and can be done online.
4th November
is the date of the Humanising the City round-table discussion at the City Gallery. Myself, Penny Allan (VUW Landscape Architecture Programme Director), Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman (Director, NZ Centre for Sustainable Cities), Mike Mellor (Vice President, Living Streets Aotearoa) will be discussing the role, processes and goals of urban design in Wellington, in a discussion chaired by Tom Beard (WCC urban designer, ex-wellurban blogger). It starts off at 12.30, so be sure to drop by then, and to also check out both the new gallery itself, and the other exhibitions on offer.
4th November (updated)
is the date of the Outer-T competition results announcements. An exhibition of the finalists at the Waterfront Information Centre will open the same day.
11th November – 23 November
is the end-of-year exhibition at Victoria School of Architecture, showcasing the best work of the graduating students. The public can drop by anytime between 9am and 5pm on weekdays.
27th November
is the deadline for public input on the proposed changes to the Wellington District Plan. Changes 72 and 73 aim to establish specific areas that will accommodate much of Wellington’s future growth. Focused on the Kilbirnie and Johnsonville , these changes have the potential to greatly affect the character of these town centers by guiding development towards medium-density housing options, and through a (presumably council-led) provision of more quality open spaces.
30th November
is the deadline for public input on the proposed Wellington 2040 development framework. The final ‘drop in’ session in which the changes can be discussed with council staff, is on the 2nd of November (between 12 and 2). Again, feedback can be submitted online.
I think thats about it. Be sure to let me know if anything I may have missed in the comments.
Off topic… Stuff has an interview with Bob Jones which includes (amongst a lot of other material) the following:
” Now Jones is focused on local body politics – specifically, rounding up a bunch of energetic enthusiasts prepared to stand for the Wellington City Council at next year’s October local body elections. In a speech this year to the Wellington Property Council, Jones challenged Wellington mayor Kerry Prendergast to rid the city’s “golden mile” – Lambton Quay, Willis St, Manners St and Courtenay Place – of vehicles and create a pedestrian mall. For the first time in human history, Jones said in his speech, half the world’s population now live in cities, and for this we should rejoice. “I’ve been to about 150 countries and observed cities which plainly have living appeal. The one particular characteristic of all vibrant and appealing cities is pedestrian malls. “Wellingtonians like to boast of their cafe society but we’re pathetic compared with numerous other cities when it comes to cafe culture. “People and motor vehicles don’t mix. Traffic, in particular buses, introduces an abrasive element to city living. It’s not necessary. People love shopping and strolling amid diners, relaxing and watching the passing parade.” ”
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10605286&pnum=0
I think it is safe to say that if they pulled this off, it’d be the most radical transformation of Wellington since the settlers started to reclaim the harbour. Is it a good thing or not? If it is, then is there any reason why we couldn’t pedestrianise most of the CBD?
It would be a bit like setting off a canon in a glassware shop, but I’d quite like to see Bob Jones as Mayor of Wellington. Pity he never has. Always at arms length away – he’ll back Carmen, to watch teh carnage ensue, but never quite stand himself, more’s the pity.
Thanks for the updates Philip! I’ll be sure to stop by the School to catch some of the action.
One more thing that you forgot to add to your list – the announcement of the winners of the competition for the Outer Tee – this is to happen at a Breakfast in the morning, so I’m not sure if it will be in the papers that day. Perhaps you could update us at your lunchtime talk as to what the winning result was?
Did the Eye of the Fish enter a scheme?
I’ve updated the post to show that outer T announcement. Good to see that the finalists will be promptly exhibited.
Unfortunately there wasnt any entries from Eye. Although now that you mention it, a temporary outdoor aquarium wouldnt be a bad use of the space.
Philip>Although now that you mention it, a temporary outdoor aquarium wouldnt be a bad use of the space.
How about an Eye of the Fish and Chip Shop? Probably Wellington’s windiest takeaway food.
A Fush and Chup Shop? Not sure if the Fish supports cannibalism?
One more thing that you forgot to add to your list – the announcement of the winners of the competition for the Outer Tee – this is to happen at a Breakfast in the morning, so I'm not sure if it will be in the papers that day. Perhaps you could update us at your lunchtime talk as to what the winning result was?
Did the Eye of the Fish enter a scheme?