“Following the tragic earthquakes, we can transition to a new, more confident, multilayered city that is an attractive, relevant and viable place for people. One of those story layers is our unique natural history” — exhibit designer, Colin Meurk.

Christchurch residents’ desire for a greener central city was keenly expressed through the ‘Share an Idea’ programme.

Some of the transitions possible are presented in this exhibit, a ‘pocket park’ that makes innovative use of predominantly indigenous species.A green roof and living wall are displayed on the shop. There is also a raingarden and swale for stormwater treatment, native bush, 'green' rubble, a biodiverse lawn, and 'green' rail tracks and paths.

Green roofs and living walls

An attractive way of bringing nature into the confines of a central city.

• Reduces stormwater run-off by as much as 90%; run-off is slowed
• Reduces energy costs through insulation effect
• Cools a hot urban environment
• Roof life is extended by blocking UV and moderating roof temperature
• Provides a habitat and food for insects, lizards, plants and birds
• Muffles noise within the building – inside and out

Because of Christchurch’s relatively dry climate, our city doesn’t have as many green roofs and living walls as other New Zealand cities. This exhibit features many species that our research shows are well suited to Christchurch’s environment, from low-level, herbaceous plants through to comparatively tall grasses.

Indigenous plants in pocket parks

Prior to human settlement, Christchurch had a wealth of native plants and wildlife. We can now restore some of what has been lost. Our city could attract eco-tourists as well as those passionate about our exotic gardens.

• Restore some of the native plants and wildlife that used to exist locally
• Attractive, relaxing places for people
• Foster native biodiversity
• Complement our conventionally coloured parks and gardens

Biodiverse lawn

Mat-forming native plants that require no mowing and are an appealing alternative to conventional mown grass.

• Can include brightly coloured berries and seed heads
• Improves biodiversity
• Requires little or no mowing; no lawn clippings to dispose of
• A range of suitable species for different environments (foot traffic/rainfall/sunlight)
  

Natural water treatment — A scaled down version of what has been proposed for the city

As our city has grown, so has the amount of impervious surface area such as roofs and car parks that channel water straight into our periodically stretched stormwater system. We can use plants and substrates to detain, filter and reduce the amount of stormwater and suspended contaminants that flow into our drains and waterways.

• Self-watering garden reduces use of potable (mains) water
• Reduces peak stormwater runoff into waterways
• Plants and substrates filter contaminants to improve quality of waterways
• Improve plant and animal biodiversity
• Self-fertilising if run-off comes from streets
  

Green tram tracks and paths

Attractive alternatives to surface areas paved with asphalt or concrete

• Cooler surfaces – more pleasant in summer
• Foster herbaceous plant and invertebrate life
• Pervious surfaces (allow rain to soak in)
• Could make good use of crushed brick

A concept taking off in European and North American cities, green tracks enable plant life to snake up through the crushed brick or other pervious substrate. Green paving enables an array of herbaceous indigenous plants to thrive under foot.

Green rubble

A sympathetic yet poignant way of commemorating the devastating earthquakes.

• Heritage rubble as a substrate for rare riverbed and cliff plants

How do we want to commemorate the awful events of the past year? Think Athens, Berlin, Coventry and Dunkirk. How do they display their historic tragedies and grief? We hope this exhibit will help inform and promote discussion.