THE Fiji Association of Architects (FAA) general secretary Setoki Tuiteci has called for an urgent review of standard school and hospital building designs, citing a lack of progress in these crucial public sectors despite advances in other construction areas.
He made the comment during an interview with The Fiji Times at the recent Extra Fiji Architecture Conference and Trade Exhibition in Nadi.
Mr Tuiteci said while architects design advanced commercial buildings, public infrastructure has remained stagnant for decades.
”The schools that we have here, we have never progressed from what we have. Since we’ve come from schools it’s been the same,” he said.
“Long classroom blocks, standard 8 by 8 metre classrooms. Toilets on one end, the staff room on the other end.”
Mr Tuiteci stressed the professional duty of architects was to create improved, safer conducive learning environment for students.
”I think it’s time that we progress beyond and look at how we can improve our classroom, our schools and our spaces. So that the kids are safer. I’m not saying that they are unsafe right now, but we can improve on them.
“We can improve the space so they become more children-friendly, more student-friendly. More lively and they will enjoy going to school.”
Mr Tuiteci highlighted fact that attention is often diverted to private sector projects.
”We seem to always be progressing, we build fancy hotels and fancy multi-story office buildings but we always forget our schools and our hospitals.
“These are the two areas that I think we need to work on. So hopefully that’s a cue for us to re-look at our priorities. Review also our school designs.”
For Mr Tuiteci, the focus on education and health facilities was the most critical outcome of the conference.
”For me, I think the highlight from this conference, I think for the children of the future, we need to ensure that they are well looked after now. So for me, it’s the schools part and maybe the hospitals.”
