New Zealand at Home - Modernism Triumphant (Episode Six)

Design historian Douglas Lloyd Jenkins (The Big Art Trip) hosts this series celebrating 100 years of New Zealand home architecture. This episode looks at the post-war modernist style, which took hold in the 1950s and 60s. Examples include Christchurch’s Dorset Street Flats (designed by a young Miles Warren) and Wellington’s narrow Jellicoe Towers. Residents offer their take on living in these unique homes. Lloyd Jenkins also takes a look at the unique schools of architecture that took hold in cities — the "encompassing" Christchurch and "sheltered" Auckland styles. 

The whole of New Zealand copies Christchurch. We have, in fact, created a New Zealand architecture. Make no mistake about it, the only significant modern architecture is that which is derived from this lineage in Christchurch. Throughout the rest of the country the buildings follow and are totally influenced by this city.

– Architect Peter Beaven on the influence of Christchurch architecture

Key Cast & Crew

Michele Fantl

Producer

Emma Patterson

Editor

Dan Salmon

Director

Craig Wright

Cinematographer

Douglas Lloyd Jenkins

Writer, Presenter

Mike McCree

Sound Recordist