Architectural Site Intimacy

Abstract

Indigenous thought process can influence current trends of creative problem solving via architecture and landscape design. This doctoral project contextualizes a method of design, as a way to address a global paradigm shift in understanding the relationship between God, land and humans. “Architectural Site Intimacy,” enables a design (especially at significant sites) the opportunity to connect visitors physically, spiritually and intellectually to the place and to God. Blending traditional and contemporary knowledge, both story and science, allows for social, physical and psychological benefits. By connecting to place, culture and history; I developed a framework to increase human awareness of the natural environment through architectural design. The experience I gained included working with the community in participatory planning, and then incorporating the community input by integrating cultural concepts in a design. “The Mamo Process” is a methodology which uses Hawaiian culture and site understanding to enable a meaningful connection between man and nature through architecture. This creates a meaningful interaction between the place, culture, and history that gives back to the place in a way that respects its’ past and transmits it to the future; with authentic cultural representation. By focusing on different realms, including the earth below and the heavens above, the cultural relationship between man and place is fully realized. By establishing a base of cultural influences and incorporating trans-cultural values of such as pono (righteous) and lōkahi (balance), we can reach interconnectivity between sea, land, people, and sky. The end objective is to harmoniously tune the different realms of influence through the power of design. The designer’s kuleana is to bring together the best practices of traditional and contemporary design strategies to choreograph an architectural environment and landscape that encourages a culturally appropriate experience. The design aims to educate visitors about the site mo‘olelo. The design for the Kūkaniloko Center of Culture is part of a greater cultural revival initiative.