Empowering Community Naidi Community Hall by CAUKIN Studio

A Vital Hub for Naidi Village

Naidi village, situated on Vanua Levu in Fiji, faced a significant challenge when their previous community hall deteriorated, leaving the village without a communal space for seven years. Recognizing the importance of such a facility, the Naqaqa Giving Foundation, a local NGO, collaborated with CAUKIN Studio to bring the project to fruition. Serving as the cultural and operational heart of the village, the hall serves a community of 400 people and 75 households, providing a venue for meetings, celebrations, funerals, and weddings.

Cultural Expression and Creativity

With input from the community, CAUKIN Studio designed the hall to facilitate various cultural activities, including singing, crafting, and traditional Fijian dance known as ‘Meke’. The project emphasizes the significance of safe and aesthetically pleasing spaces for creative expression, fostering personal and community growth.

Innovative Design and Cyclone Resistance

Taking inspiration from theatre staging, the hall’s design features large counter-weighted doors that open to create a stage for performances. The structure prioritizes natural ventilation and lighting, utilizing hit-and-miss timber cladding and strategically placed louvre blades to ensure comfort and functionality. Despite its innovative design, the project maintains resilience against cyclones and utilizes locally sourced materials, making it replicable by other communities in Fiji.

Collaborative Construction Process

The construction of the hall involved 20 international participants from architecture schools and practices, working alongside 30 local workers over eight weeks. The design process, which began six months prior, incorporated input from the community at every stage. Participants lived with families in Naidi Village, immersing themselves in the local culture and gaining valuable experience.

Partnership for Realization

CAUKIN Studio collaborated with The Jazmin Fund, a charitable arm of the Naqaqa Giving Foundation, to realize the project. The fund, led by Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, contributed to the performing arts theme of the hall, ensuring it could also serve as a shelter during natural disasters.

Impact and Community Engagement

Since its completion, the hall has become a vibrant community hub, hosting concerts, workshops, reading hours for children, and various events. The increased foot traffic has boosted sales for local artisans, and the hall now serves as a registered kindergarten, demonstrating its multifaceted role in community development and empowerment.