Faletusi: A gateway for our past, present and future generations
Date
2020Citation:
Meredith, B. J. (2020). Faletusi: A gateway for our past, present and future generations. (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)). Unitec Institute of Technology, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10652/5352Permanent link to Research Bank record:
https://hdl.handle.net/10652/5352Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION:
How can architecture (re) -connect -develop - present the Nelson Memorial Public Library of Samoa?
ABSTRACT:
Public libraries have existed in society for centuries. They play a crucial role in the community to provide a free and safe space for all members of its community regardless of race, education level, socio-economic status, gender and age. Through their level of accessibility, it functions to reduce the inequalities that exist in society. For the small island nation of Samoa, its one and only public library facility functions to serve the majority of the country’s population. However, as public libraries overseas continue to reform and redevelop with the times, the Nelson Memorial Public Library of Samoa continues to remain traditional in its form and function. This is largely due to a lack of resources, lack of funding, run-down and old-fashioned facilities, and due to a lack of community awareness and engagement.
The Nelson Memorial Public Library represents an important part of Samoa’s history. The current issue that Samoa is facing is the demolition of many of its heritage buildings that represent so much of the country’s history. In 2016, the Samoan government released a proposed Apia Waterfront development plan. One of the objectives was to ‘preserve culture through the upgrade of heritage buildings and sites’. The aim, therefore, is to preserve the historic library building, whilst also adopting new design methods to make it more relevant to the 21st century.
This project includes an overview of some of the significant events of Samoa’s history. A social analysis of various parts of the Samoan culture will also be conducted, looking at aspects of the culture that are socially significant. This project will also include a literature review of the current challenges faced by public libraries overseas and the solutions, as to provide insight in how best to make the new design functional.
The goal of this project is to redesign the library building to one that is aesthetically pleasing and relevant to the current times; a building that will influence community awareness and engagement through the integration of modern and contemporary features, whilst still preserving the culture and history of Samoa for generations to come.