Parliament of Samoa - Apia

Client Government of Samoa

Location Apia, Samoa

Commendation – Public Architecture

Australian Institute of Architects International Chapter Awards

As a gift to the nation of Samoa to celebrate 50 years of Independence, the Australian Government donated funds for the construction of a new Parliament building (Maota Fono) to replace the existing and critically damaged building. Sited in the same position as the original, the new building references and reinterprets the cultural heritage of Samoan architecture to create a modern parliament building for the nation.

The building incorporates a Parliamentary debate chamber for 65 members, and public seating for 300 as well as meeting room facilities and associated service spaces. The design adaptively reuses an existing concrete podium and adds to its height following extensive climate science research in relation rising sea levels.

The building’s exterior is characterised by its use of simple, robust and readily available materials to create a timeless architecture with strong cultural connection and resistant to the harsh weather conditions and corrosive environment. The building’s interior is characterised by its use of natural light, integrated artworks, and faceted dome ceiling. This building will provide significant amenity for the people of Samoa as well as a symbol of their national identity.

Watch the progress of the building construction:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=46&v=cOXM5vhUdmI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=106&v=J4ug4zP-ALY