“The architectural profession needs greater recognition in the country’s building and construction industry.”

This was the message delivered by Papua New Guinea Institute of Architects President Jordan Seladi while speaking at the recent announcement of the Dulux Design Excellence Gala Awards at Hilton Port Moresby.

He said architecture has received less attention than engineering, construction systems, and other technical aspects have taken greater prominence in the country’s development discussions.

Mr. Seladi, who is also managing director and senior architect of Seladi-85 Architecture, said stronger collaboration between architects, industry and corporate organizations is needed to keep architecture part of the national development conversation.

“I think, over time, engineering and new construction systems have taken the forefront of this development conversation” 

“For me personally, as a Papua New Guinean and as the president of the Institute of Architects, I find the relevance of actually zeroing in on the creative aspects that are tied to our culture and traditions.”

He noted that architecture should reflect PNG’s cultural identity and traditions and maintain a connection with the communities it serves.

“Otherwise, you come up with buildings that have no identity and you end up with architecture that doesn’t have any roots, architecture that people cannot align with and architecture that people cannot relate to.”

He said architecture has historically influenced how societies develop and how people interact with their surroundings.

“Throughout civilization, architecture has been used to help govern the way humanity has progressed.”

“Good architecture always promotes good behavior. That is essentially my mindset behind the way things are to be done.”

In addition, he said that partnerships with industry and corporate organizations are important to strengthening the profession and increasing public understanding of the role architects play in national development.

The institute has partnered with Dulux as the platinum sponsor of its Design Excellence Awards.

Mr. Seladi said the partnership provides architects with opportunities to engage with industry and gain knowledge of new construction systems and products.

He also acknowledged Hilton Port Moresby for supporting the institute by providing a venue for its activities, which he described as a first for the organization.

Furthermore, he stated that stronger relationships with businesses and industry leaders would help the institute increase its visibility and demonstrate the contribution of architects to the country’s development.

“We want to be involved with industry leaders!”

“We want to be seen as tying organizations and corporate entities that have exemplified excellence in their service and have exemplified quality in the way they have gone about doing the work that they do.”

He also called for greater recognition from the government, and the public of the role architects play in shaping the country’s built environment.

“I sometimes feel that our government forgets that architects do exist.”

In concluding, Mr. Seladi stressed that continued engagement between the architectural profession, government, industry, and corporate organizations will be important as Papua New Guinea undertakes further development.