House of Worship superstructure completed

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — A significant milestone has been reached with the completion of the complex steel structure of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG).

This latest development comes after hundreds of steel components were individually positioned and linked with nine steel meshes to complete the dome structure, on which the oculus support frame was raised.

The site of the House of Worship, which has been under the ownership and care of the Bahá’ís of PNG since the 1990s, has already begun to receive groups of visitors eager to learn about the significance of the temple and the innovative approaches being taken for its construction, such as the intricate steel structure for the central edifice.

Recent visitors have included members of the PNG Institute of Architects and journalists from different media outlets including one of the country’s major national broadcaster, EMTV.

“We see this project every time we drive by. It’s filled everyone with so much intrigue,” said Jordan Tegabwasa, President of the PNG Institute of Architects during his visit to the site.

Gezina Volmer of the Bahá’í Office of External Affairs explains how the House of Worship stands as a symbol of unity. “When its doors open, all will be welcome—regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity or faith. The House of Worship will be a peaceful place of reverence to pray, connect with our Creator, and reflect on how to be of service to society.”

Progress on the construction work is featured in the gallery of images below.

A group of journalists from different media outlets visit the site of the Bahá’í House of Worship and learn about the significance of the temple as a symbol unity.

Workers position the steel elements of the structure with great precision while a surveyor provides directions from ground level.

Construction workers raise the first of nine prefabricated units of the dome into position.

Before being raised into place at the apex of the dome, the oculus support frame is first pre-assembled at ground level.

Steel mesh components of the compression ring come together at the apex of the dome of the House of Worship.

Concrete is poured to reinforce the ground in preparation for construction of the stairs leading to the main entry canopy of the Temple. Lower picture shows one of nine sets of stairs.

Workers unload a shipment of recycled timber that will line the underside of each entry canopy and continue throughout the interior walls of the central edifice.

The completed dome and canopy structures are now ready for exterior cladding to be installed.

With the completion of the steel superstructure, the emerging form of the House of Worship can be seen from all directions as one approaches the Waigani area of Port Moresby.