GHD helps realise artistic visions in Christchurch

One of the world’s leading engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services companies, GHD, has helped create outdoor installations for the SCAPE 8 Public Art Christchurch Biennial, a leading exhibition of contemporary public art in New Zealand.

Held over a six-week period, the event is renowned for showcasing the work of leading local and international artists in the city centre to excite, engage and stimulate the community.

GHD assisted SCAPE Public Art with two projects, delivering structural engineering design and documentation support for an exhibition of four life-sized welded sheet metal figures by Hannah Kidd. The figures depicted everyday people in Christchurch helping one another after the city’s devastating earthquakes in 2010-2011.

The company supported award-winning artist Hannah Kidd in realising her vision for the sculptures, which were installed in the city’s ReSTART Mall famous for its shipping container shops installed after the earthquakes. The figures will remain in place for six weeks.

In addition, GHD provided structural design and documentation support for Nathan Pohio, an artist descending from the Ngai Tahu iwi. The GHD team supported his creation of the ‘light box’ structure, showcasing his public artwork Raise the anchor, unfurl the sails, set course to the centre of an ever setting sun. This work is a photograph from 1905 of then Governor General Lord Plunket with his wife Lady Plunket in a motorcar, flanked by local Maori leaders on horseback in full ceremonial dress. The artwork was installed on a large frame designed by GHD in Christchurch’s Park of Remembrance and will remain on display for the duration of the exhibition. A great deal of time and effort was put into advising and coordinating the design of the frame with Nathan Pohio and other supporters in order to achieve the artist’s vision.

Donna Bridgman, GHD’s South Island Area Manager, says, “We are delighted to work with our industry partners and SCAPE Public Art in support of exciting art initiatives in the city. GHD is committed to the Christchurch community, and it is particularly rewarding to use our technical capabilities to make these artistic visions a reality.”