Timaru churches examples of buildings with persona

In recent times booksellers across New Zealand have decked their shelves with a wide array of architectural publications.

Many magazines have focused upon the Kiwi bach – both aged and modern.

These buildings frequently show a light-hearted touch with immediate appeal. Indeed the architectural profession at national level is happy to celebrate the history of the bach as a true reflection of our casual lifestyle.

In more sedate buildings an architect might convey a range of emotional qualities, appropriate to the purpose and circumstances in each case – concepts such as reverence, solemnity, and humility for example.

Timaru is sprinkled with a collection of churches that add significantly to the emotional experience of the community – be it the overriding sorrow at a funeral, joy at a baptism, or the outright celebration of a wedding. A welcoming sign outside indicates when St Mary’s Church is open to visitors, providing respite from a demanding world.

Also close to the centre of town, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart provides an interior experience of awe and wonder.

The popular philosopher Alain de Botton not only writes about the human experience in such places, he also treats a building as having its own persona, able to lift mankind to a higher plane. These qualities are not innate to the bare materials used – in fact they all come from an architect’s hand.

– David McBride