Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects have announced the opening of T?ranga, the new central library for Christchurch, New Zealand. Built to address the earthquakes that damaged Christchurch in 2010 and 2011, the library is one of the first public buildings to open downtown after the disasters. Working with Architectus and the indigenous M?ori people of New Zealand?s South Island, the design was made to celebrate rebirth in Christchurch.

T?ranga Library, Christchurch. Image © Adam Mørk

Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects have announced the opening of T?ranga, the new central library for Christchurch, New Zealand. Built to address the earthquakes that damaged Christchurch in 2010 and 2011, the library is one of the first public buildings to open downtown after the disasters. Working with Architectus and the indigenous M?ori people of New Zealand?s South Island, the design was made to celebrate rebirth in Christchurch.
T?ranga Library, Christchurch. Image © Adam Mørk

Built with attention to resilience, functionality and cultural awareness, T?ranga rises at the center of the earthquake-damaged city?s redevelopment. As one of nine anchor projects identified as vital to the redevelopment of the city, the five-story, 9,500-square-meter library in the historic Cathedral Square was made to support the city?s desire for public space. The entrance was made to evoke the important cultural concept of whakamanuhiri, the warm and welcoming ?bringing-in? of arriv...