Newest landmark building complete

Papua New Guinea’s newest landmark building has been completed in time to host what is being heralded as the biggest international event in the country’s history.

It will be opened on October 18th by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

“O’Neill approached Jim Fitzpatrick Architects (JFA) in October 2016, to design an iconic building specifically for the APEC summit meetings to be held in Port Moresby in November this year,” said JFA in a statement.

The building, named APEC Haus, needed to provide the PNG Government with a notable facility of international standard, to host the world leaders from 21 of the largest economies as they gather to promote free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

“The importance of international trade negotiations formed the basis of the design and architecture of APEC Haus,” said JFA director Jim Fitzpatrick.

“We responded with an architectural language based on the strong cultural symbolism evident in the traditional Hiri trade of the Motu-Koita culture.”

The dominant sculptural roof form and the central public art piece are contemporary references to the unique crab-claw shape sails found on traditional Motuan lagatoi boats used during trade journeys.

JFA also references customary lagatoi tattoo markings in patterning throughout the building as motifs within sustainably sourced Papua New Guinea timbers.

JFA is an architectural practice providing professional and consultative services in architecture and urban design both in Australia and overseas.

Husband and partner team Jim and Ally Fitzpatrick head up Jim Fitzpatrick Architects with 35 years of experience in the architecture, anthropology and arts industries consecutively. Jim has been working on major buildings around Papua New Guinea for over eight years. They include PWC Haus, Harbour City and Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

Author: 
Press release