Fono Office Wing, Fagatogo, American Samoa
Material Selection for Interiors and Exteriors of a Government Territorial Office Wing
Mauga to Vasa Textured Gradient Wall Tile Option
As American Samoa is an island, the culture has close ties to the natural elements that provide for it. This scheme for exterior wall tile creates a gradient that is reminiscent of the sky, mountains, and ocean. The texture and finish of the tile establishes visual interest from the various vantage points it is displayed. As the building’s exterior is curved, using smaller pool glass tiles not only ensures weather resistance, it flows with the curve to enhance durability.
Abstracted Tapa Pattern Wall Tile Option
This option for exterior wall tile looks to historic Samoan tapa patterns for inspiration. With triangular pieces, this option has the ability to tell a story. Color tones depict similar palettes to naturally dyed tapa inks and the pressed bark cloth. Further exploration of design meanings is needed to ensure cultural relevancy.
Overall Building Material Board
The materials for this government territorial complex are durable, earthly, and subdued. Allowing the architecture to speak for itself, the selected materials create a neutral palette that enforce the formidable nature of the interior of the building.
Material Selection completed as a Designer I at Polyline Architecture + Urbanism in collaboration with Lively Architects, 2022.