Urban texture

Catastrophic events do become history.

The severe losses resulting from the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010-11 will pass into memory.

But many of the building owners badly affected are justified in feeling angst.

For many years, the populace was told that improvements in structural design would prevent such severe damage to recent buildings because they were constructed to higher design standards.

This photo of George St in Timaru shows how urban texture is enhanced when younger buildings are mixed with older heritage fabric.

More than a few structural engineers have pointed out that the older unreinforced masonry buildings in the Christchurch central business district performed better than expected, while many newer buildings suffered damage, much to the disappointment of engineers.

Throughout the 20th century, national construction standards in New Zealand were improved after each significant earthquake.

Seemingly, the revised structural design standards have not been completely adequate.

​David McBride of the Timaru Civic Trust