Cathedral design options ignites debate

10:04 pm on 5 April 2013

A top New Zealand architect says he is disappointed with the designs for the new ChristChurch Cathedral.

The nave and aisle of the modern church.

The nave and aisle of the modern church. Photo: SUPPLIED

The Anglican Church has released three options for the cathedral: restoring it, replacing it with a timber building in the traditional form, or starting from scratch with a completely modern design.

Christchurch-born Mark Burry has been working on Antoni Gaudi's famous Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona since 1979.

He said the contemporary design in particular is not up to a world standard, let alone a national standard.

But Wellington architect Simon Novak says the modern design is inspiring.

The firm Warren and Mahoney was commissioned to produce the designs and believes they are world class and appropriate for Christchurch.

Options are restoration, a traditional church or a contemporary building.

Options are restoration, a traditional church or a contemporary building. Photo: SUPPLIED