City Gallery

Past event

NZIA City Talks: Ben Schrader on The Big Smoke—New Zealand Cities 1840–1920

13 March 2017

At a time of national debate over housing and the growth of our cities, Wellington historian Ben Schrader reveals how our urban origins have shaped the people we are today and invites us to consider such questions as: what did cities look like and how did they change; why were women especially drawn to live in cities; in what ways did Māori experience and shape cities; how far was the street a living room and stage for city life; and why did New Zealand so quickly become a nation of townspeople?

NZIA City Talks is an ongoing series initiated by the New Zealand Institute of Architects Wellington Branch and presented in partnership with City Gallery Wellington. Its purpose is to foster discussion about architecture for a broader audience in a city that cares to openly discuss ideas relevant to our future.