Christchurch has become a city of containers with hundreds of them dotting the landscape. The most common usage is as temporary shops and protection against crumbling cliffs and the possible collapse of damaged buildings.
Christchurch Container Shops Replace Earthquake-Damaged Buildings
Within a few weeks of the 6.3 magnitude February earthquake in Christchurch, businesses started using shipping containers as temporary shops. Many of these were basic with only power laid on. Others were set up as window displays along main roads where buildings had collapsed and left gaping holes.
In October 2011, Cashel Mall in the CBD was reopened using temporary container shops. Unlike the simpler ones that were initially seen in the suburbs, these containers were specially adapted with some being two storeys high. All were creatively painted and had windows set into them. The effect was bright and appealing and the opening of the area was well supported by the Christchurch public.
Shipping Container Barriers Protect Motorists from Earthquake-Damaged Cliffs
After the 22nd February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, several walls of containers were erected in the cliff suburbs of Christchurch. These included Redcliffs and Sumner. As of the end of December 2011, well over 200 containers were in position with the longest barrier consisting of over 120 of them. In most areas, the containers were stacked two high. When further rock falls occurred during the June 13th and December 23rd 2011 earthquakes, the containers did the job they were there for and contained the fresh layers of rock that sheared from the cliffs.
Containers Form a Shield against the Collapse of Earthquake-Damaged Buildings
In the CBD and around Christchurch, shipping containers have been used as protective barriers since the 7.1 September 4th earthquake in 2010. They were strategically placed in front of weakened and damaged buildings in case further tremors caused further collapse. They were also used as barriers when buildings were being demolished.
Christchurch Containers Get a Facelift
Various projects have been underway to beautify the containers as they will probably be in position for years rather than months. Some have been draped in canvas with designs ranging from photographic scenes to funky drawings. The variety of artwork is inspiring and draws people’s attention away from the unsightliness of the barriers. Most are situated in what are normally beautiful areas with the ocean immediately next to the road and soaring cliffs on the other side.
Christchurch faces a long and difficult recovery from the ongoing earthquakes and aftershocks and shipping containers have become a vital feature of the process. Without them, certain roads would be unusable and many stores would not be functioning.
Debbie Roome - Debbie Roome is an award-winning freelance writer, journalist and novelist with over 25 years experience.
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