09/10/2025
An interesting opinion piece about losing the projects within our city that spark joy. We have been involved in many of these urban interventions mentioned in this article - and it's real nice to feel the love for them here. The Press
I'm left wondering if there is some sort of reverse Marie Kondo-ing going on. The memo must have been misread, and instead of doubling down on the success and Joy of this way of city making we are reduced to value engineering the life back out of things.
What is essential to understand in any discussion about the value of the creative within the development of a city is that it is priceless. Try removing everything that brings that creative joy to the human experience and you will see very quickly the loss of tourism, young families, business, mental health and wellbeing. People don't want to live in, trade with, or visit boring as places. Therefore is has huge value and worth.
I suggest if every project built values and integrates a little bit of creativity and joy, into every project, there won't be a need to load this the creative burden onto the likes of the council, funders, artists, designers, and makers - and we can collectively continue to be proud to call Ōtautahi home.
OPINION: What Christchurch gained after the earthquakes is now being lost. The city is returning to its roots, and becoming dull once more.
