“Reorient Honolulu"

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to examine Honolulu’s current building and planning practices in view of pressing needs for a more sustainable urban environment. What can Hawaiian culture, ecology, and society contribute to contemporary, sustainable architectural and urban design? How do current patterns of architectural and urban development account for the physical, social and political well–being of Honolulu and its surrounding communities? This study explores alternative approaches to commercial development that incorporate culturally rooted values expressive of the land, its people, shared experience, and culture. As Honolulu builds new twenty–first century urban infrastructure–for example, the rail system and related transportation–oriented development–what practices best support the integration of built environments with Hawaii’s unique geographic and ecological reality? This dissertation explores alternative, place–specific design scenarios that strengthen identity, human connection, respect for nature and the needs of future generations. It offers a design approach that addresses specific patterns of sustainable cultural and ecological design across multiple scales in an alternative framework for healthy, affordable, and culturally informed urban habitation. Rooted in the spirit of the land, these unique patterns encourage people to feel wholly connected to the built and natural world. This dissertation argues for a new orientation. It contemplates a city where every act of design however great or small focuses on providing its residents and visitors with an intelligible, memorable, healthy, and nurturing physical environment. The final product of this study is a sampling of patterns that integrate current design practices with elements based on the Hawaiian worldview. This orientation seeks to cultivate the elements of a sustainable built environment while encouraging an ecologically and economically viable lifeworld for both the residents of Hawaiʻi and the visitors they so famously welcome.