TREASURE
Sir Miles Warren – a blueprint for generosity
T he legacy of Old Boy Sir Miles Warren looms large over Christ’s College. New Zealand’s leading brutalist architect, Sir Miles was responsible for the former Chapman Block, the extension to Big School that houses the College Library, and the gymnasium, the Williams Court, and the Tothill Science Block. In addition, he designed the conversion of Condell’s House (now the Selwyn Building), alterations to Harper House and Julius House, the Administration Building, the swimming pool, Corfe and Condell’s Houses, and the carpark complex, as well as the Fine Arts Building (in association with Wilkie + Bruce), and the Old Boys’ Theatre. Following his death at age 93 in August 2022, the first New Zealander to be knighted for services to architecture cemented his remarkable
dedication to his old school with a significant bequest to Christ’s College. Framed by his formidable eyebrows, Sir Miles maintained his gaze on College right to the end of his life, returning to create new structures, catch up with lifelong friends at school reunions, and share his unique perspective and expertise with
generations of students. Speaking at his funeral
service, his niece, Sarah Smith, described Sir Miles as “a true New Zealand icon who will be greatly missed”. Born in Christchurch in 1929, Frederick Miles Warren first walked into College as a Somes Scholar in 1942. A gifted but unathletic member of the Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort- designed Julius House, the young scholar enjoyed an inspiring view of the campus.
COLLEGE 2023
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