Sing, sing urbanesia : a football stadium for Lae, Papua New Guinea

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION: How might a stadium design in Lae, Papua New Guinea propose maximum value and meaning for the people of Lae?

ABSTRACT: In an increasingly globalised world the question of place and identity in architecture becomes an issue. This is particularly relevant in developing Pacific countries such as Papua New Guinea, where traditional village lifestyles exist alongside rapidly urbanising cities. In an effort to understand cultural context, the effect of colonialism on both traditional culture and the current perspective of regional architecture is investigated. Parallels between the effect of colonialism and current trends of globalism can be observed. Just as colonialism undermined traditional values and practices in the pursuit of ‘progress’, globalism now threatens to replacing rich cultural heritage with standard western modernity.

This research advocates for a modern, contextdriven architecture that acknowledges traditional values and represents the unique evolved cultural identity of Papua New Guinea. Additionally, it asks how architecture can propose maximum value and meaning for the people.

As such, research into contextual factors such as tradition, climate and community became paramount. Various tactics and theoretical frameworks for designing regional architecture are investigated in relation to Papua New Guinea and inform the design for a multi-purpose, community orientated stadium in Lae.