Wooden Works - Taira Nishizawa

Japanese architect Taira Nishizawa gives a free public lecture in Christchurch on his innovative timber work. This is an opportunity to hear from a visionary architect as we look to rebuild our region with careful consideration.

Since opening his Tokyo studio in 1993, Taira Nishizawa has established himself as a leading figure among his generation of Japanese architects—he stands alongside such globally recognised practices as Atelier Bow-Wow, Klein Dytham Architects, and Tezuka Architects. Nishizawa’s work, which ranges from small houses to large sports facilities and makes particular use of innovative timber structures, has attracted numerous awards, including the prestigious Japan Institute of Architects Young Architect of the Year Award in 2005, the Architectural Review Emerging Architecture Award, and selection by Architectural Record as one of the world’s 10 ‘Design Vanguard’ architects.

A practitioner, academic and critic, Nishizawa teaches at a number of universities in Tokyo and has lectured and exhibited internationally. His work has been the subject of two monographs: 'Taira Nishizawa 1994-2004' and 'Taira Nishizawa: Wooden Works 2004-2010'.

Taira Nishizawa's lecture in Christchurch is supported by NZ Wood, the University of Auckland School of Architecture and Planning, the Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects and CPIT.

Te Puna Wanaka is on the corner of Williams & Coventry Streets. Access from Barbadoes or St Asaph Streets. The lecture is being held in the wharekai.