Process and Kaona: In Search of a Modern Native Hawaiian Aesthetic through Architectural Ornament

Abstract

Because the indigenous culture of these islands is Hawaiian, it is important that a Native Hawaiian cultural awareness is a part of all professions doing work here. The profession of architecture is one of the many in Hawai‘i that must develop a greater Native Hawaiian consciousness. Currently, there is little presence of the culture in architecture; however, I plan to change this. My goal for this dissertation was to develop a contemporary aesthetic based on authentic Native Hawaiian cultural practices and architecture in Hawai‘i that can be applied to today’s architecture. I first examine the definitions and philosophies of aesthetics within architecture. For the focus of this project, I have chosen architectural ornament and thus next review ornament’s role in architecture throughout history and discuss its relevance to today’s art. Then, I examined several Native Hawaiian cultural practices and architectural case studies in Hawai‘i in order to distinguish a Hawaiian identity within design. Finally, I tested my findings by developing general guidelines and swatches which together can be considered the first steps toward a Native Hawaiian aesthetic.