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Salient: Victoria University Students' Paper. Vol. 30, No. 8. 1967.

Architecture coming ?

Architecture coming ?

"The best architecture, like all art, comes from severe restraint—which is why we are just going to produce the best architecture," said Mr. Peter Beaven.

Speaking on Architecture and Design in the second of the Winter Term lectures, Mr. Beaven expressed his optimism for the future of architecture in New Zealand.

His selection of slides illustrated both what he called our "superb architectural heritage from New Zealand's early years," and examples of modern architecture — expressing in bold and vigorous lines the vitality of our countryside.

"We must satisfy all possibilities inherent in New Zealand building," Mr. Beaven said. "We have so few materials that we can be confident in using them—we are not seduced by elaborate competitors. We have an abundance of stone, white block and natural wood. Everything is possible today—we are in a situation of tremendous hope.

"Certainly we must redefine a number of values—we must learn to work within a severe budget. We must forget Dtopianlsm and build along the grain with the materials we have.

"We have great possibilities if only we can forget we are a welfare state. We have just spent 30 years building temporary buildings. Now it is time to build permanent ones. We are poised for a tremendous creative future which is now possible."

Mr. Beaven concluded by saying we must let more creative people work in New Zealand.