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Fiji is a country in the South Pacific Ocean. Fiji gained independence from the British in 1970 and there is a colonial influence in the urban architecture in Fiji. However, architecture in Fiji is best known by its traditional village layout and huts, very evocative of the native culture in Fiji. Village architecture in Fiji Visitors entering Fiji are usually greeted at a hut with the "lali", a large wooden drum / gong. The Lai is used for ceremonial and other village events. The village temple / spirit house is known as the "Bure Kalou". The bure kalou is the tallest hut and the abode of ancestral gods with white cowry shells dangle from the roof top.
The chief's house, " Vale levu" occupies the most important place in the village. It is the largest hut and only the bure kalou stands taller. There are white cowry shells on the doors and at other various points, both inside and outside the house. The high, sloping roof is for quick drainage of rainwater, and also ensures circulation and ventilation, important in a tropical climate. The vale levu has four doors. The chief's house is decorated with finely and uniquely crafted tapa or masi cloth. In the village architecture in Fiji, there are two other community structures. The meeting house or " Vale ni Bose " serves as the community ceremonial center. It also doubles up as an arts and craft center for the women and children. The " old folks home " or Vale ni Qase is for grandparents to regale their grandchildren with ancient fables. Lastly we have the house or " Na Bure ". A fine example of the architecture in Fiji, the bure is constructed with layered reed walls lashed together with coconut fiber, with tapa / masi cloth decoration. The bure also has the roof thatched with sugar cane leaves. The thatched roof is fumigated with a very slow buring fire to ward off pests. There are few examples of modern architecture in Fiji. The only notable ones are the 17th storeyed Suva Central and the 14th storyed Reserve Bank of Fiji building. Fiji's towns are largely on the two islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu and were populated by Europeans and South Asians while ethnic Fijians stayed in the villages. Nowadays however, in excess of 40% of the Fijians live in the towns and many in typically modern tropical accomodation.
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