AN UNUSAL FASCINATION WITH TOILETS

In addition to natural features and public spaces, most towns and cities are identified by their iconic buildings.  This is usually a cathedral, concert hall, art gallery or museum.    Some have their seat of government and some like Dubai rely on the unusual size or design of major buildings.            

I suspect we are the only nation that identifies towns with their public toilets.  The most recent is the Hobsonville lot – then we have the Hundertwasser ones in Kawakawa and those that have become the focus of the Matakana town centre. 

Town dunnies continue to receive awards from the Institute of Architects – no doubt warranted for individual excellence.   But surely there are more significant architecturally significant buildings, monuments or icons in each place!   What does this tell people about a town and its leadership?

SUPPORT A CAUSE – RENT A JOURNO.

I usually defend Brian Rudman, not because I agree with him (I seldom do), but because he is true to his ‘leftist’ bias in reporting on issues he considers important.  But his article “Queens Head horror too awful to destroy” illustrates the danger of his leanings – that he becomes the ‘hand maiden’ (his term) of any protest cause, regardless of its merits.

“Facadism” is worth debating – but we are entitled to expect some investigative journalism if it is to feature in our major daily.  From being a “cause” (not without validity), heritage issues are now hopefully receiving more balanced treatment.  Age is not the only value to be considered – not everything from the past is that much better than what we do today. 

The Queens Head was, in 1986, a façade with a dilapidated timber building behind that had been constantly, and badly, renovated.  Perhaps the only thing of historic value was the 1950’s Formica sheet lining to bathrooms – but even that was delaminating through neglect.  And while criticizing this and the Jean Batten Building, Rudman ignores such acclaimed buildings a Lloyds Insurance in London which does exactly the same with the old façade.

Facadism has its place in an urban environment where the spaces around buildings are as important as the interiors.  And the notion of “palimpsest” with parts or all of existing buildings is an important way of ensuring the dynamism of urban growth is not frozen by blind ideology triumphing over reason.

AUCKLAND, RWC AND BIG EVENTS

The RWC illustrated the potential of a city in the current age.                                                                                                                  

Firstly it demonstrated the appeal of ‘people focused spaces like The Wynyard Quarter, Party Central, Fort St shared space and Queen St.  The learned lawyer who proposed tickets to limit attendance (less than 1% were disadvantaged!!), was an unfortunate aberration which I hope will be ignored.                                                                         

Second, it showed how important ‘big’ events are.   Having lots on is good, but a city needs a calendar of international attractions – like Arts Festivals, Biennales, International sports events etc.  That’s a challenge for the politicians.                                                             

Third, it shows how people behave appropriately in these special event times.  Fan zones, Fan Trails, Towns adopting teams, flags on cars and buildings – all event specific and contributing to its specialness.                                                                                             

 And finally, it provided a reason and time frame to get things done – like the shared space, Wynyard Quarter, Queens Wharf and many others.                                                              

So take note politicians!!!  Build on this lesson of success – and do it again.