The traditional architecture of Indigenous communities has drawn international attention as the UN World Meteorological Organization predicts that 2023 will be the hottest year on record. With the construction sector responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, traditional architecture has the potential to offer more sustainable, environment-friendly solutions. In Fiji, architect Peter Rankin has been leading the firm AAPi Design in the capital, Suva, since 2007. As urbanization and modern building practices continue to disrupt traditional knowledge, the impact of the built environment on global temperatures and climate change becomes evident.
The rapid urbanization has also led to the adoption of modern building practices and materials that often ignore or override traditional knowledge that was linked to the climate.
A resident sits outside a house affected by rising sea levels in Veivatuloa in Fiji [File: Mick Tsikas/EPA]
The dominance of high-rise buildings, air conditioning, and artificial lighting has created a significant demand for energy and resources and disrupted traditional social and cultural patterns in countries where people once relied on natural ventilation, shading and outdoor spaces.
To address these issues, a new generation of young Pacific Islander architects is looking to traditional architecture and cultural practices for energy-efficient, resilient, and environmentally friendly building designs. For example, Tualagi Nokise, an architect, designed a hypothetical natural disaster research and training center in Fiji, drawing on local materials and traditional techniques while integrating modern cyclone principles.
Traditional building techniques have also gained recognition in academic settings, with courses and programs focused on sustainable design and practices in Indigenous architecture. To combat climate change, there is a growing interest in the development and promotion of traditional building techniques and strategies that have been passed down through generations.
As the UN Climate Change Conference takes place in Dubai, there is a focus on the need for nations to take more decisive steps to curb human-caused warming and limit the devastating effects of extreme heat, storms, and droughts. Architect Peter Rankin is hopeful that the Pacific can lead the way in promoting hybrid-traditional design and updating national building codes to mitigate climate catastrophe. He believes that the region’s unique history, local skillset, and resilience place it in a prime position to drive innovation and create a more sustainable and resilient future.