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Earthquake hit Christchurch to have a temporary cardboard cathedral

Design For Christchurh 'Cardboard Cathedral' Unveiled

Almost a year after a devastating, 6.3-magnitude earthquake claimed 185 lives and destroyed a gothic church in Christchurch, New Zealand, the city will now utilize Japanese architect Shigeru Ban’s expert services to bring the magnificent cathedral back to life. As per Ban’s proposal, the construction process will utilize cardboard tubes (24-inches diameter).

The so-called cardboard cathedral is being built on the city’s skyline. Aside from cardboard, the proposed construction will utilize waterproof polyurethane and flame-retardants to ensure strength to the structure. When completed, the simple A-frame structure will be spacious enough to accommodate 700 people. Moreover, the cathedral will feature stained glass and a polycarbon roof.

As the architect puts it, he prefers cardboard tubes rather than using traditional construction materials like timber and steel. Christchurch’s new cathedral will be the largest cardboard structure designed by Ban, when it completes in April next year. Despite its expected lifespan of 50 years, the Church authorities plan to use it for ten years only. After that, the Church will have a permanent structure.

Earthquake hit Christchurch to have a temporary cardboard cathedral 1

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