Talia na Vanua

Abstract

The Pacific Islands is unique in its combination of ecological and cultural diversity and ecological sensitivity (Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, 1999). While the Pacific Islands contribute little towards global issues like climate change, they stand to suffer the greatest impact from them. Rising sea levels, cyclones, and flooding pose constant challenges to infrastructure, livelihoods, and cultural continuity. Fiji is a small island that is deeply rooted in cultural resilience and adaptive potential. Despite limited economic resources, Fiji demonstrates a strong commitment to climate action through disaster preparedness activities and community-led building. Nonetheless, a large number of rural areas remain disproportionately impacted, particularly in Vanua Levu’s northern region, where the people heavily rely on informal and subsistence economies for recovery.

This thesis situates itself in the Fijian town of Labasa, a town rooted in agriculture, forestry, and the foundational values of land, people, and spiritual connection. Flooding and cyclones damage houses, crops, and access to essential services yearly, underscoring the need for adaptable and regenerative design solutions. Talia na Vanua proposes a primary relief hub, with modular housing kitsets and support for food security, addressing both shelter and food shortages. Through the fusion of Indigenous Fijian architectural principles, material knowledge, and community-based practices, the project reimagines architecture as a living system that nurtures both people and place.

Guided by the foundation of iTaukei design principles – developed by a Fijian designer, Ratu Epener, during his thesis project at Unitec in 2021 to support local design responsiveness - this research develops a culturally grounded methodology for climate-responsive design. Talia na Vanua contributes to a broader Pacific architectural discourse that honours tradition while advancing innovation to create resilient, self-sustaining, and interconnected communities.