ChristChurch Cathedral

Anglican officers and government officials have decided to partially demolish ChristChurch Cathedral, a landmark in downtown Christchurch, New Zealand, that was structurally damaged in the magnitude 6.3 earthquake of Feb. 22, which claimed 181 lives.

The central business district of Christchurch and large areas of suburbs were destroyed, including 1,500 homes. The Christchurch bishop says the church will not rebuild an exact replica of the Gothic-style structure but will combine old and new elements. Japanese architect Shigeru Ban has proposed a 700-seat cathedral built from shipping containers, cardboard, paper, and glass.