item details
NameSILTY brick
ProductionUrban Paving and Landscape Supplies; manufacturer(s); 2011; New Zealand
Classificationbuilding blocks
Materialsearth
DimensionsOverall: 156mm (width), 90mm (height), 35mm (depth)
Registration NumberGH021678
Credit linePurchased 2011
Overview
This 'SILTY' brick was made from liquefaction silt collected from Hagley Park, Christchurch, after the devastating Canterbury earthquake on 22 February 2011.
Liquefaction was a huge problem and burden to people as they tried to clean up their properties after the earthquakes. This brick is both a fundraising memento and a quirky way of using what seems to be useless material.
Inscribed into the brick is 'Kia Kaha Christchurch' which became a catch cry of support for inhabitants as they faced the cleanup and rebuilding.
Money raised from the sale of the bricks went to Greening the Rubble and Gap Filler - two innovative Christchurch organisations who actively filled vacant gaps in the city streets with temporary and creative projects.