Graduate is finalist for project honouring Sāmoan culture

Talented University of Auckland graduate Lalitpat Chomchoei has been selected as a finalist from nearly 500 entries for a major Australasian design and architecture award.

Lalitpat graduated from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, in 2024 with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies. Her practice has a sharp focus on timber architecture and creating spaces that enhance well-being. Her work has already gained special attention; Lalitpat was a finalist in the Timber Design Awards two years ago.

As a finalist in the student category of the 39th annual Dulux Colour Awards, celebrating outstanding use of colour in design and architecture, Lalitpat is one of the 88 finalists and among the dozen from New Zealand.

Lalitpat’s architectural concept A Storehouse of Narratives has been designed to serve the people of Sāmoa. Using a carefully curated colour palette, her project comprises four structures across three locations, each honouring the natural elements and social traditions of the Pacific.

At the first site, the heart of the community, two buildings take centre stage: the Fale Tele, painted in a natural green to blend into the surrounding tropical foliage and serve as a space for gathering and storytelling; and the Fale Umu, the communal kitchen, adorned in a deep ocean blue to represent Sāmoa’s enduring connection to the sea and food traditions.

At the second site, Olo Matamata, a bold red tower functions as both a seed bank and a lookout post. The structure is symbolic of strength and resilience, built to withstand severe weather events and protect biodiversity by safeguarding native plant species.

The third structure, known as Moana, floats partially in the ocean and is painted in a soft white-cream hue. Designed to reflect sunlight and resist overheating, Moana is a forward-looking symbol of adaptability and survival in the face of rising sea levels, while also representing the openness and freedom of the sea and sky.

“This project is rooted in connection, to land, to ocean, and to people. Each colour was chosen to not only support the functionality of the space, but to strengthen its cultural meaning.” 

Her project highlights the power of design to respond to real-world challenges, such as climate change and cultural preservation, while showcasing the unique voices of emerging Pacific designers. Her work adds a meaningful contribution to the narrative of Pacific architecture and its role in future-proofing island communities.

Winners of the Dulux Colour Awards 2025 will be announced at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, in May.