Architecture

Christchurch is home to many different architectural styles - from Victorian mock Gothic to the mid-twentieth century modernist school to the latest environmental architectural trends. This page contains links to our architecture resources.

Our online resources

• Architects includes an interview with architect Richard Dalman about the 2008 NZIA Canterbury Branch Awards
• Christchurch Buildings and Landmarks
• Plans of Christchurch buildings - a digitised collection
• The architectural heritage of Christchurch
• How to research the history of a house in Christchurch
• Premium websites a collection of online magazines and reference 'books' also include useful resources which can be accessed with your library card number and PIN, or at our libraries
  • Oxford Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
  • The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of 20th Century Architecture
  • Serials A-Z: Architecture will help you find magazines, journals or newspapers that are available in one of the Christchurch City Libraries full text databases, either by browsing an A to Z listing - or searching for a title
• Christchurch City Council Heritage Consultant advice
• Character housing grants from Christchurch City Council

Our Internet gateway recommends

• Architecture listings, including:
  • www.architecturenz.net
  • ADNZ – Architectural Designers of New Zealand Many people use architectural designers to design their homes. Their professional website lists fee guidelines and the services you can expect from designers, as well as their code of ethics.
  • NZIA - New Zealand Institute of Architects website of the professional organisation for architects in New Zealand.
  • Christchurch Modern Website collecting examples of the ‘Christchurch Style’ or ‘Christchurch School’ - the modernist architecture movement that exploded in Christchurch in the middle of last century.
  • Architecture.com website of the Royal Institute of British Architects.
  • Great Buildings Online An international and historical directory for built architecture. Over 750 buildings and their architects are available, complete with brief biographical information. Each building has construction date, location, building type, and other information.

Browse the resources in our libraries

Here are just a few examples of subject searches which will bring up many books and other resources:

• Books about the History of Architecture in Christchurch
• American Architecture
• New Zealand Architecture
• Australian Architecture
• Environmental Architecture
• Magazines Our libraries have digital versions of architectural magazines and many more which can be borrowed.
• Videos and DVDs A diverse collection ranging from the wonderful My Architect – a documentary about the American architect Louis Kahn to video recordings of the Nurses’ Chapel at Christchurch Hospital and Ngaio Marsh’s house.