O MEU PRIMEIRO PROJETO [MY FIRST PROJECT]

Aloha!

Recently, I downloaded an awesome book from AMAZON entitled INTERIOR DESIGN COURSE by Tomris Tangaz. I felt that it was time for me to start thinking and seeing things with the eyes of an INTERIOR DESIGNER.  

My first project is a SITE RESEARCH AND BUILDING STUDY. This project is teaching me the skills to observe, question, record, and communicate architectural ideas of interest.

My assignment was to find an interesting and easily accessible building. I did a search on interesting buildings in Honolulu and chose the building that houses the Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawai'i, Manoa.   

Notes from Site Survey

Solids and Cavities - Each building is comprised of a square prism with a trapezoidal roof structure reminiscent of the ancient structures built for the Hawai'ian Ali'i [Royalty]. The main entry way is formed by the northern glass wall of the main building and the southern wall of the smaller front building. A flat plane covers the opening created by these two buildings.

Scale and Proportion - Each building of the Kamakakuokalani Center is of the same scale.  Because all of the buildings are of the same size, a harmonious feeling is created and does not disturb the surrounding area. It actually looks like it is apart of the surrounding area.

Rhythm - In between the glass planes, which make up the walls of the main building, are large panels made up of smaller panels [3 panels x 7 panels]. Vertical and horizontal lines are created by the smaller panels within the larger panel. Similar panels are also found on the facades of the roof trapezoidal structures.

Texture -The use of lava rock on the northern wall of the Kamakakuokalani Center compliments the area of the building and gives the building an organic feeling as if it were naturally apart of the surrounding flora.

Light and Scale - Patterns of light on the building do enhance or change design elements.

Color - The use of a monochromatic brown palette in and around the Kamakakuokalani Center creates energy that is more subtle and peaceful due to a lock of contrast of hue.  

Images 

Here are some views of the Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies:

FRONT VIEW
KAMAKAKUOKALANI CENTER FOR HAWAIIAN STUDIES

NORTH SIDE OF KAMAKAKUOKALANI CENTER FOR HAWAI'IAN STUDIES

ENTRANCE CORRIDOR KAMAKAKUOKALANI CENTER

WALKWAY TO ADJACENT BUILDING

TEXTURE AND FOLIAGE NORTH FACING SIDE
OF BUILDING

LAVA ROCK WALL

PLAQUE DEDICATING THE BUILDING TO KAMAKAKUOKALANI  - GLADYS K. 'AINOA BRANDT CENTER FOR HAWAI'IAN STUDIES

"The Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies is surrounded by massive moss-rock walls, native plants and topped with four conical roofs. The two-story, U-shaped structure - bordered by Manoa Stream, Kanewai Cultural Garden and Dole Street - boasts a resource room, a computer lab, seminar and conference rooms and two large classrooms with optional wall-sized doors for open-air activities.

It also has a 48-seat lecture hall, a 150-seat open-air auditorium overlooking the three-acre garden, graduate and faculty offices, a faculty lounge as well as a student services wing with private study rooms, carols and project offices.

Moreover, the center's upper courtyard serves as a burial site for the remains of 18 skeletons, believed to be pre-contact Hawaiians, unearthed during water main work on Dole Street. The remains were reinterred last year using a traditional rock wall burial vault, adding a spiritual aspect to the only stand-alone Hawaiian Studies building in the world, says center Director Haunani-Kay Trask."

From the article: Hawaiian Style - The University of Hawaii's New Center for Hawaiian Studies Is A Showcase Of The Island's Cultural Heritage .  

By Pat Omandam, Honolulu Star-Bulletin

I learned so much doing my first assignment.  Now, I look at buildings with a different eye.  It is such a great feeling!!!

ON TO MY NEXT ASSIGNMENT!!!!