PEL’s experience in the Pacific and environmentally sustainable design (particularly on isolated sites) and enthusiasm to explore new cultures and offer innovative solutions made them perfectly positioned to undertake this unique and exciting project.
The brief for the Oceanic Museum in Bora Bora is to display a private collection of Oceanic Artefacts and collections from throughout the Pacific and to have supporting commercial boutiques, cafes, restaurants and an aquarium that will be housed in a sustainably designed series of buildings.
The aesthetic is a modern interpretation of the Papua New Guinean ‘Men’s House’ - the mainstay of the collection, a tall ceremonial building having a strong presence and grandeur. The site sits below Mt Pahia (the dominant volcano on Bora Bora) and acts as a solid backdrop. The form is also inspired by the natural cooling effect developed through the ‘venturii effect’ as a result of this uniquely shaped ‘A-frame’ building.
This site is flanked both sides by the tallest buildings in Vaitape, the Protestant and Catholic Churches (the only landmark buildings) other than the ‘Convention Centre’, a temporary yet significant white marquee-covered structure currently located on the waterfront opposite. The site and building is set up to be visually dominant, befitting of a museum and directly opposite the wharf and the main visitor gateway in the heart of Vaitape (Bora Bora’s main Village and the gateway to the island). Set back from the main street frontage and what could be classified as the village centre, means providing strong street-front connections that naturally allure visitors onto the site.
The strong iconic aesthetic sets up ‘intrigue’ both from a distance and closer up where it’s presence will be felt throughout this part of the island. The design experience and urban planning starts from the street with the idea of extending the main street into the site through a strong memorable form that adds to the intrigue of what may lie beyond. A traditional ‘portico’ addresses the street (the form reminiscent of the main museum form) possibly handcrafted by local artisans and locally sourced materials. Once drawn up the access way, a small adventure starts that leads visitors past objects and artefacts that are aimed at enticement.
The existing residences adjacent to the access are accepted as of the adventure - a natural and simple village lifestyle. The site opens up into a welcoming courtyard with a supporting ‘active’ frontage to the museum and facilities while acting as a backdrop to the activities of the courtyard. It clearly is an extension of the street – a landscaped town square, busy and vibrant. The iconic traditional gabled form of the museum towers over the courtyard and is the recognised gateway entry to the building. The other buildings are intended to wrap around and support the space, for visitors to relax, dine and photograph their experiences.
In particular the design focuses on water as a natural element that links the various spaces and has strong connotations with the Pacific and Oceanic regions, early exploration, navigation, journey and village life. The ‘water’ also symbolically links with the idea of past and present, the water flowing from the Mountain to the ocean and the tidal movement of the sea.
In consultation with a Museographer (specialist museum advisor) and tourism experts, the project is designed to enhance the visitor experience and commercial viability and utilise environmentally sustainable principles thus reducing the reliance on expensive local energy. It is one of the few visitor experiences of Bora Bora off the water and will become the focus for all tourists.
Research and expert advice in procurement and delivery methods on this isolated project for material supply and construction will result in cost-saving measures and innovative solutions that are specifically tailored for this project.
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