Baha'i Faith PNG

Bahá’í House of Worship Construction Site Visit by PNG Institute of Architects

8th May 2021 Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea | Several professional members of the The PNG Institute of Architects lead by the President, Jordan Tegabwasa and Chairman of the Board of Architects, Mr Vaghi Gairowagga were welcomed by the Baha’i Community of PNG for their first out of several visits to learn more about the significance of this rising edifice in the nation’s capital.  

“…We’re now presented with a very unique opportunity for a building that will no doubt be globally renowned for the way it’s designed, the way it’s built and the way it’s put together.”

Jordan Saledi | President, PNG Institute of Architects

Complying with the Government’s ‘Niupela Pasin’ COVID protocol, many of the visitors were early-to-mid career architects and inspired to see in-person this unique structure, enveloping world-class methods, complex structural solutions and design techniques.

The House of Worship architects, Henry Lape and Saeed Granfar were also both present to provide intimate details on the construction process, technicalities as well as the concept design development which was inspired by the common cultural practice of weaving found all throughout PNG.

“The House of Worship is a symbol of Unity and brings people together” Director of the Baha’i Office of External Affairs, Gezina Volmer explained.  “When it opens, all are welcome – regardless of age, gender, class, race, ethnicity and even religion/faith.  It is a peaceful, reverent space to pray and personally connect with God or our Creator – however you define this divine, unknowable essence. There are no sermons.”  When asked about accessibility and attending the space, Ms Volmer explained “the House of Worship is a gift fully funded by the Baha’i Community.  No donations are sought or accepted from individuals, government or other organisations.”

“We’ve been seeing this project every time we drive by – watching the frames go up – it’s filled everyone with so much intrigue. As designers and creative individuals, we always have questions every time you see something coming together. It’s our natural instinct to ask and find out how or why is this going up.” President of the Institute of Architects, Jordan Seladi mentions in his closing remarks, “We’re honoured even more so that we’re the first official organisation to visit – we got one up on the engineers on this one! …Thank you so much, it’s been such a privilege and it’s been most educational as well. As a young architect many years ago, these site visits are what built me up as a designer and a professional…”

“…Apart from using your stock standard steel structure in the country – we’re now presented with a very unique opportunity for a building that will no doubt be globally renowned for the way it’s designed, the way it’s built and the way it’s put together.”

The House of Worship site is located alongside Waigani Road and has been under the care of the Baha’i Community since the 1990s.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact
PNG Baha’i Office of External Affairs
email. NSAexternalaffairs@bahai.org.pg 
ph. +675 7103 4101
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Office of External Affairs