Following the earthquakes, Shigeru Ban was invited to Christchurch by Rev. Craig Dixon, the cathedral's marketing and development manager, to discuss a temporary cathedral that could also host concerts and civic events. The concept was developed during that visit.[3] Ban, who is characterised as a "disaster architect", designed the building pro bono;[4] Ban collaborated with Christchurch architecture firm Warren and Mahoney.[5]
Initially it was hoped to have the cathedral open in February 2012 for the first earthquake anniversary.[3][6] A-frame in style, rising 24 metres (79 ft), it would incorporate 86 cardboard tubes of 500 kilograms (1,100 lb) each atop 6 metres (20 ft) long containers.[6] However, it was not until April 2012 that the site was blessed,[5] and construction began on 24 July 2012.[7] Once the decision had been made that the building would remain for St John parish, it was constructed as a permanent structure.[3]
At the same time as the site blessing, controversy raged about the Anglican diocese having applied to Christchurch City Council for an annual maintenance grant of NZ$240,000. Such a maintenance grant had for many years been given for ChristChurch Cathedral, but with the Diocese determined to demolish it there was widespread opposition to an ongoing grant, and city councillors declined the request.[5][8]