ʻa-tā : it's not what you say, it's where you sit
Date
2019Citation:
Holakeituai, W. S. T. (2019). ʻa-tā : it’s not what you say, it’s where you sit. (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)). Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10652/4873Permanent link to Research Bank record:
https://hdl.handle.net/10652/4873Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION:
How can the notion of ‘meeting’ in a Tongan context generate design notions/suggestions for a new parliament building in Tonga?
ABSTRACT:
On February 12th, 2018, the Tongan islands were devastated by Tropical Cyclone Gita. It was one of the worst to hit the kingdom, which resulted in significant damages. With numerous buildings destroyed, the destruction of Tonga’s Fale Alea (legislative house) was, in essence, a considerable loss. The building represents a series of significant events that for over more than 150 years contributed to forging the country’s history. Such events were the arrival of Christianity, the settlement of early Europeans, the first Constitution, and political changes, to name a few. At present, the legislative assembly sessions have temporarily moved to the country’s national centre.
History gives insight into the original vernacular Tongan architecture as observed by early navigators and missionaries. It also shows the influence of European settlements on the evolution of architecture in Tonga over time.
This research project aims to explore possible design approaches and typologies for a new parliament building for Tonga. By studying how people meet in culture will help conceptualise architectural notions that will be the primary driver of this project. The design outcome will be a landmark, a symbol of national identity that would reflect Tonga, concerning its history, context, values, and culture.