The Arts Centre (Boys High Building)

The Boys High Building in the Christchurch Arts Centre currently houses the Christchurch Visitor Information and provides a great place to start our tour. Now that you have downloaded the PocketSights app, you can make your way upstairs into the collection of little boutiques and gift shops. If you have a look at what is now above your head, you may be able to spot some steel bars arranged in a spoke layout. These are part of the 3-dimensional BRB (buckling-restrained brace) system which has been installed in the building. You will see many more of these (albeit in many different sizes) as you make your way through the central city. They are used to dissipate the energy from an earthquake and are usually positioned so that they can be replaced with ease in case they are damaged.