project overview
Tuvalu is an island nation located in the Polynesian subregion of Oceania. Tuvalu consists of many small groups of islands. The terrain of the islands is very flat and low, so with the sea level rising, Tuvalu’s future becomes uncertain. 95% of the land area could be submerged at year 2100.
Right now, Tuvalu is already suffering from many sorts of natural disaster, frequent high tides can flood the land, cyclones, lack of clear water etc.
With the island facing difficulties, their culture and history are also in danger. Tuvalu has similar culture to most Polynesian countries; they are unique to the world. a big part of their culture is the amazing handcrafting skills with the use of wood, coconut fibre, coral stones etc. All of the traditional skills are disappearing due to the fact that they can’t really benefit Tuvaluans financially without a proper system or plan.
This architecture project aims to protect Tuvaluan traditions and raise awareness to the rest of the world by using traditional Tuvaluan handcrafting skills. The project consists of 2 parts; a culture centre on Funafuti, and a small structure that will be shipped all over the world for handcraft workshops organised by Tuvaluans.
culture centre on funafuti
The culture centre consists of 3 buildings, for different functions. Traditional Tuvaluan architectures are generally scattered, most buildings only serve one function, such as sleeping, cooking, meeting etc. The three building will all be on the reclamation land. The location of the reclamation land used to be a beach. therefore, it essentially blocks the access to the sea, the bond between the sea and Tuvaluan is broken. The culture centre becomes not only a functional building, but also a symbolic feature for the reappearance of Tuvaluan culture.
site section
site plan
1. A bridge above the water channel between the reclaimed land and the original land. Following the bridge is the pathway extending all the way to the shore.
2. Details of the office building in the culture centre. exposed structures and handcrafted veranda roofing.
3. Roof structure of the factory. Designed to withstand rough environment in Tuvalu.
detailed section
section model of office building 1/50
A study model made in the early stage, which leads to the final design.
portable floating pavilion
The final concept to design to orient around the idea of raising awareness to the rest of the world that Tuvalu is suffering. The method is to hold handcrafting events around the world, in the form of a global tour.
The pavilion can be dismantled and packed into a shipping container. to acquire the water barrels underneath the pavilion, this opportunity can be organized into a donation event at the destined country.
floating pavilion structure
Xiaolai's works 