Cardboard Cathedral

Christchurch's original Cathedral was severely damaged in an earthquake in 2010, and the second earthquake in 2011 destroyed the original stained-glass rose window.

The Transitional Cathedral, designed by Shigeru Ban, was built nearby in 2013. It is nicknamed the "Cardboard Cathedral" due to its extensive use of cardboard tubes in its construction. Christchurch's original Cathedral was severely damaged in an earthquake in 2010, and the second earthquake in 2011 destroyed the original stained-glass rose window. The Transitional Cathedral, designed by Shigeru Ban, was built nearby in 2013. It is nicknamed the "Cardboard Cathedral" due to its extensive use of cardboard tubes in its construction.

Metro Performance Glass was approached to process the 12 meter high, glass facade. The original design called for colored triangles until Metro Performance Glass showed they could do so much more with digital printing on glass. Using photographs of the original rose window, the images were lifted and printed directly onto the glass.

Additionally, the ability to easily adjust the transparency levels gives the glass a stained glass appearance. The new window pays homage to the past through the use of modern glass printing technology.