Aging Gracefully

Maybe it is because New Zealand is such a young country that we struggle with aging gracefully and find it difficult to see beauty in ruins.  So we pull down aged and damaged buildings, rather than honouring and treasuring their history.

What would Europe be without its romantic ruins steeped in story and historic context.  They are usually honoured and cared for, surrounded by gardens; places of peace and tranquility.

Think of all the abbeys, dissolved by Henry VIII or the castles that are no longer required for defensive purposes.  The ruins are part of the landscape, now cherished and cared for, places that people visit to reflect and contemplate their historic role or just to enjoy as attractive places to be.

Is there anywhere in Christchurch where we are planning to preserve a structure as a graceful ruin that will show future residents and visitors what kind of damage earthquakes do to buildings, or simply serve as a place for reflection and contemplation.    A place for us all to remember these years of extreme change and turmoil.

Can we learn to age more gracefully and to honour our history and our stories more?