An Wellington-focused episode from the important 1984 documentary series on New Zealand architecture, hosted by David Mitchell. Included are interviews with Wellington architects Ian Athfield and Roger Walker. Includes footage of John Scott’s Futuna Chapel and Ernst Plischke’s Massey House.
This TV documentary from 1983 guides us through the rapid changes in Wellington in the 1970s to earthquake proof the city, and build a motorway through it. Aside from the cheesy music, it’s pretty darn interesting for anyone with an association with the city.
“Before he achieved worldwide fame as an actor, Sam Neill directed this documentary for the National Film Unit about lively New Zealand architect Ian Athfield. It examines the philosophy, achievements and frustrations of one of this country’s most innovative architects, who won an international competition in 1975 to design housing for 140,000 squatters in Manila, in the Philippines, yet struggled to gain recognition back home. This film culminates in Athfield’s trip to the Philippines to pursue the project.”