A Christchurch landscape architect says a map of Christchurch in the 1850s could help authorities in the decisions on rebuilding the the central business district
Di Lucas, who is a former president of the Institute of Landscape Architects, says the map shows the city centre criss-crossed with old stream beds.
She says many of the buildings which collapsed in the 4 February earthquake, including the Pyne Gould building were sited on the sloping banks of these old streams and were hence particularly unstable in an earthquake.
Ms Lucas says the map also shows old wetlands and other areas which are particularly susceptible to liquefaction when subject to the energy of an earthquake.
