Suva, FijiPrecedent: The Reserve Bank of Fiji

Morgan ReutherRobbie Hampton

Malina Dana

Local Design Principles for Global Construction

U.S. Department of State Overseas Building Office University of Virginia School of Architecture

Systems, Sites and Building, Fall 2014

http://www.urbila.com/imgs/projects/large/6731_reserve-bank-of-fiji.jpg

Precedent: The Reserve Bank of FijiSuva, Fiji Islands

image source: http://www.architectspacific.com/projects-2/publiccommer-cial-2/ewExternalFiles/Commercial%20%20Reserve%20Bank%20.pdf

The Reserve Bank of Fiji is one of the public project un-dertaken by the architectural firm Architects Pacific. The primary goal of Arichtects Pacific is implement organic growth strategy in their designs. (Architects Pacific)

As the first, and still the tallest, truly multi-storied building in Fiji, the Reserve Bank Building dominates the Suva skyline.” -Architects Pacific

WIND

The chart below shows the yearly wind velocity range for Nadi, Fiji:

image source: Climate Consultant

Because the wind velocity throughout the year in Fiji remains consistantly low, it played almost no factor in the unusual height of the building compared to other structures in the region.

image source: suncalc.net

image source: Climate Consultant

The chart to the right shows that a structure located in this region would be exposed to WARM/HOT temperatures of >80 degrees in almost all directions for the majority of the year. As a result, the structure must have a large amount of shading devices incorporated into its design (especially one as tall as the Reserve Bank).

LIGHT

The chart to the left shows the location of the sight and the relative path of the sun in relation to the sight. The chart below shows the result-ing temperatures that occur on the sight as a result of this movement of the sun.

image source: http://www.architectspacific.com/proj-ects-2/publiccommercial-2/ewExternalFiles/Commer-cial%20%20Reserve%20Bank%20.pdf

image source: http://www.architectspacific.com/projects-2/publiccommer-cial-2/ewExternalFiles/Commercial%20%20Reserve%20Bank%20.pdf

One way that the Reserve Bank provides this necessary shade is by setting its windows into deeper recesses of the building’s structure, as shown in the image to the right. This allows for less direct sunlight to enter through the windows while at the same time casting shade and shadows.

WATER

The Reserve Bank also incorporates regional water tendencies into its de-sign. The tropical region allows for sufficient amounts of rain fall and the site is located close proximity to the coast. As a result, tsunami floodgates are present to protect underground vaults (Architects Pacific).

Other techniques used to culturally site the building:-Fijian design: “Uniquely Fijian design details, such as laminating masi panels into formica for fire door finishing, and using “first cut” Fijian plantation pine for the suspended ceilings, ensured the building showcased Fiji’s design aesthetic” (Architects Pacific).-Creating a harmonious relationship to the adjacent and historic Catholic Church next door (Architects Pacific).

Suva, FijiPrecedent: Thurston Gardens and The Fiji Museum

Robbie Hampton Malina Dana

Morgan Reuther

Local Design Principles for Global Construction

U.S. Department of State Overseas Building Office University of Virginia School of Architecture

Systems, Sites and Building, Fall 2014

http://www.travel-pictures-gallery.com/images/fiji/suva/fiji-suva-0002.jpg

Precedent: Thurston Gardens and The Fiji MuseumSuva, Fiji

http://bookitnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/thurston-gardens1.jpg

http://bookitnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Mae-Fah-Luang-Garden.jpg

In the later 1800s, Sir John Thurston called upon John Horne for an investigation of the site. he recommended the area be a Botani-cal Garden. The work was approved in 1905 and by the next decade, significant develop-ments were put into place.

In addressing the area at the time, there were many exotic trees introduced after the fire in 1843. Because of this, there was a decrease in availaibility of plenti-ful supplies. The area is also extremely hot and hu-mid, so the type of materials used in the early 1900s had to try and cope with keeping the occupants cool. However, the inception of the air conditioner did oc-cur in the early 1900s, so it is possible that machines were installed within the first three decades.

http://www.fijimuseum.org.fj/nationallandmark_historical_thurston_garden.html

Suva, FijiPrecedent: Parliament House, Domain

Malina DanaMorgan Reuther

Robbie Hampton

Local Design Principles for Global Construction

U.S. Department of State Overseas Building Office University of Virginia School of Architecture

Systems, Sites and Building, Fall 2014

media.escola.britannica.com.br/eb-media/66/96066-050-7377B19E.jpg

Precedent: Parliament House, DomainSuva, Fiji

Climate Consultant

http://www.beautifulholidays.com.au/pictures-travel/fiji/viti-levu/suva-parliament.jpg

The site of the complex sits on what was once a creek. The creek was drained in 1945 and the Parliment of Fiji Building was completed in 1992. This building serves as the seat of the govern-ment and honors Fijian values through numerous displays of traditional art. The building itself is modeled after the ancient Fijian vale, the thatched family house.

The Parliament House sits high above the ground which, according to Climate Consultant, minimizes dampness and maximizes natural ventilation under the building. The design provides plentiful shading to prevent overheating during summertime and the large windows allow for passive solar gain in the winter.

www..traveltips.usatoday.com/monuments-suva-fiji-63396.html