Hawai‘i Kalihi Nu‘u Residential Design for the Samoan Way of Life

Abstract

Hawai'i is a place with great ethnic diversity. This diversity is recognized and celebrated in many aspects of life in Hawai'i but it is not reflected in the affordable housing for lowincome families. These ethnicities have unmet cultural values and family needs resulting in the decline of culture and community. This DArch project explores the needs of the Samoan culture and their “way of life” called Fa'a Samoa . The resulting design is a mixed-income residential development in Honolulu taking into account their cultural background and social needs. However, the residence is not limited to Samoan tenants, but will be preferred by those who desire to live a communal lifestyle. The project is an example of the cultural considerations in design and aims to perpetuate culture rather than homogeny.