Great lines. Wong Residence, by Wong & Wong, Diamond Head, 1962. #tropicalmodern #hawaiimodern #tropicalarchitecture #hawaiiarchitecture #Hawaii #tropical #midcenturymodern #midcentury #modern #modernarchitecture #architecture

Modernist breezeblock in the Makiki neighborhood of Honolulu, more at Modtraveler.net #honolulu #makiki #oahu #hawaii #modernism #breezeblock

Ala Moana Center / Sears Entrance / 1960-2015 

While some proposals for the future Obama Library are sited in Chicago, most notably one by Michael Sorkin Studio, many believe the library will actually be located in Hawaii. The last two presidential libraries have been built in the home state of the former president, with Clinton’s in Arkansas, and George W. Bush’s in Texas. Hawaii has a building legacy rich with natural materials and serene settings. The climate allows outdoor spaces to flourish, and encourages indoor spaces to open up to the sea breeze. Exotic woods such a teak are found here, as well as native sands and volcanic stones. Much Hawaiian architecture involves modern interpretations of traditional designs, and the influence of the grass hut, or “hale,” lives on. Here ar…

Check out, Mixed Plate Hawaii, by Kaoru Lovett, Ronald Ribao and Graham Hart. It just won third place in the AIA National #ilookup Film Challenge. If you enjoy it, please head over to http://lookupfilm.squarespace.com/#vote to vote for it and others in the People’s Choice award.

In Hawaii, I’ve been researching local architecture for an article I am writing for Modernsim Magazine. In the process, I toured the amazing Liljestrand House (pictured above), which was built on Mount Tantalus in Honolulu. Hawaii’s tropical weather, challenging topography, and many microclimates require unique architectural solutions that were realized here in this archipelago after the postwar years. This movement of architecture is known as “Hawaii Modern.” Please check back for more information on the publication of the article.

Hawaiian Life Building (1951) - Vladimir Ossipoff

Back when the building had its iconic rainbow brise soleil. 

This photos is from Docomomo Hawaii’s Modernism Library; an online database of photos, plans and other materials relating to modernism in the islands.

http://library.docomomo-hi.org/items/show/761

Elevation drawings of a Kahala house for Peer Abben. Abben had a decades long career in architecture in many locales throughout the world, include a long stint in Hawaii with his partner Jorn Utzon, of Sydney opera house fame.

Ward Plaza - Au, Cutting and Smith [1969]

Horizontal planes cantilevering over and over and creating a interior plaza.

Photos from the Docomomo Hawaii Modenrism Library

Interior lobby of the Hawai’i County Building [1966] by Wilson and Associates. This photo is from Docomomo Hawaii’s Modernism Library.

Note the use of lava rock and blurring of lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.  These are both hallmarks of Hawaii’s regional expression of modernism.

“A New State Capitol for Hawaii” - Images from the thesis of local architect Robert Oda’s B. Arch work at the University of Oregon’s School of Architecture and Allied Arts.  

The rest of the images can be found in Docomomo Hawaii’s Modernism Library

Another amazing mid-century building on Honolulu. #docomomohi #modernism #midcentury #architecture (at Hawaii State Capitol Building)

Pries in Alewa Heights

Bachman Hall @ UH Manoa by Vladimir Ossipoff

Waialae Shopping Center (Kahala Mall)

Rothwell and Lester, A.I.A. Victor Gruen, A.I.A. Completed 1955

Precision Radio Building - The only use of #vitriolite glass I’ve ever seen in #Honolulu. #modernism #docomomohi #instagramhi (at Makiki/Punchbowl)