Rockwood, DavidSierralta, KarlaNgo, Benjamin2022-07-052022-07-052022https://hdl.handle.net/10125/102149The focus of this thesis is to create a conceptual design that provides a catalytic effect to revitalize an underutilized space. Underutilized spaces are spaces that have the potential to provide a healthy social environment for the community in an array of ways. Before choosing a site, a general understanding of what underutilized spaces were and how to identify them was necessary. In this case, observing several examples of various typologies that had the potential for underutilization and then listing them was the first exercise to define underutilization. After determining what underutilization was, it was then time to select a part of the city to focus on. Downtown Honolulu was the site chosen due to many potential spaces for further research, its location and the network linking it to other neighborhoods, and its rich context in both architectural language and history. Once the site was chosen, a site analysis was conducted to understand the context of the area. Using two scales of analysis, the city was analyzed on the macro and micro scales. At the macro scale of analysis, the network of the city through its elements was observed using maps and diagrams. At the micro scale of analysis, the microclimate and experiential aspects were investigated. From these two scales of analysis, the research indicated that there were ample spaces in the area that could benefit through a redesign for revitalization. Historical events were also taken into consideration as part of the context that defined Downtown Honolulu. Before choosing a site in Downtown Honolulu, a series of case studies to gather inspiration was done. In this phase, a curated collection of case studies was compiled and then categorized into groups based on their typology. This exercise would help determine which spaces to focus on when selecting a site. Afterward, a criterion was made to assist in identifying and providing sufficient evidence for sites that were deemed underutilized. Each space that was in Downtown Honolulu that was deemed underutilized would be categorized into a complete list and would then be used to determine which site would become the focus of a redesign. After comparing the sites, the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park was chosen due to its location, condition, and scale having the most potential to be catalytic if revitalized. From here, a more precise site analysis was conducted to gather more information about the park and its surroundings. Once the type of space was chosen and the site was analyzed, initial designs could be done. Starting with initial concepts, the design process began with research into case studies which would then be applied to schematic designs. From the schematic designs, several layout iterations were drawn to determine which route was best to take. Once a design goal was set, a series of iterations were done to find a possible solution to revitalizing the park. After careful consideration of the history of Dr. Sun and his connection to the park, a multi-layered approach was taken which combined several previous iterations into a new series. The new iterations guided the rest of the design towards a final iteration. Drawings and diagrams will be used to explain the overall design idea. After designing a final iteration and producing drawings, the thesis ends with some implications and takeaways about what was discovered from the entire process.Urban parks--PlanningUrban renewal--PlanningThesis