ADAPTIVE REUSE OF THE PARKING GARAGE: NEW HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR DOWNTOWN HONOLULU

Abstract

Housing shortage and affordability in Hawaii have been a top urban challenge for a long time because of Hawaii’s unique geographic location as a chain of volcanic islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, where land is scarce. An analysis of current land usage exposes a significant problem: Transportation-related infrastructure consumes disproportionate amounts of urban land globally, nationally, and locally. The prevailing urban landscape, centered on cars, dedicates excessive space to vehicle storage, overlooking many individuals' urgent need for shelter. A centric urban environment has led to various challenges, including congestion, air pollution, health and safety risks, and the erosion of public spaces. This study raises a fundamental question: Given the limited availability of urban land, why do we allocate substantial portions of it to accommodate cars and parking? It urges us to explore how to optimize these spaces to prioritize human needs and increase housing opportunities within urban centers. Upon analyzing global trends and Oahu's future development plans, there is significant potential to reduce private car ownership by promoting multi-modal transportation and leveraging technological advancements. Consequently, the parking garages have a high potential to be underutilized. This situation necessitates an innovative approach through adaptive reuse, converting car spaces into human-centric areas and fostering a shift toward human-oriented development. Through an exploration of adaptive reuse and understanding local needs, it becomes evident that emphasizing wellness in design thinking is crucial. Three scenarios for mixed-use projects have been devised by integrating various elements of wellness design, such as lighting, connectivity, and green space strategies. Subsequently, more comprehensive design strategies are implemented at the TOPA Financial Center Garage in Downtown Honolulu, aiming to align with Oahu's future development aspirations concerning efficient land use, connectivity, economic prosperity, and wellness. Adapting parking garages for reuse within urban centers poses challenges, but it substantially reduces construction costs, making housing more affordable for residents. The emphasis on wellness design seeks to cultivate more sustainable communities, integrating economic prosperity with health promotion, thereby enhancing all residents' overall quality of life.