Turning the Tide: A Reimagining and Journey to Social Convergence at Suva Harbour, Fiji

Abstract

This thesis is motivated by the unique bi-cultural Pacific state of Fiji between the Ethnic and Indo Fijians, stemming from colonial intervention introducing indentured laborers from India in late 19th century. Due to this, Fiji would continue to develop as a special case within the Pacific, leading to its position as a stronghold within the region. However, as the country shifted through time, issues of Pacific identity began to emerge. In response, this thesis examines and explores an architectural hybridity and tests the integration of both cultures in a physical representation of the third space, focussing on the capital harbour city of Suva and its inherent historical, socio-economical and socio-cultural context. The thesis also reflects on the journey of the Indo-Fijians and their contribution, sacrifice, and standing within the Pacific. At the present time Fiji finds itself in an exponential rate of growth, however, a resistance to internationalist infrastructure which disregards the true cultural fabric of Suva Harbour. This thesis makes inference to the historical implications both positive and negative and examines the route taken so far in order to visualize an architectural conception which reimagines the site. Thus, the creation of architecture which mediates the space between land, sea, and sky. Suva has seen several conflicts and still bears the political scars of past, and the numerous attempts to rebuild are evident. This thesis approaches the site as a metaphorical fabric, where the architectural conception stands as an intervention to reflect socio-political progression and can be seen as a repair of the cultural fabric. The design seeks to create a space to inhabit the socio-cultural landscape of the city. This bi-cultural architecture then aims to intercede the threshold conditions of Suva City, Ports of Suva, and Walu Bay to reconcile the bi-cultural state in post-coup Fiji. Through the proposal of a cultural harbour-scape, this thesis applies the translation of historical and culturally significant ideals by focussing on material, atmospheric, and tectonic conditions to create a new space of social engagement. Connections are revealed between people, land, and sea which influences and forms a contemporary design specific to the Pacific identity of Suva, Fiji.