A personal reflection of our building industry and design education...
Rebranding at the start of graduate school changed the meaning of architecture for me and how we use design as a form of social, environmental, and political change. Realizing that our built environment lasts multiple generations, it became a stark reminder of the impacts of our industry and how we enter as young designers (and hopefully architects).
This brand became a way for me to draw and learn. It is more to hoʻoulu through design. Use as a catalyst for celebrating Hawaiʻi, the land, and community. To me, architecture became a conduit for community to learn and grow, and hopefully a space to compliment our natural environment. It got me thinkin about that one controversial question of "What is Hawaiian Design?" A question I have pondered on since I started undergrad (6 years ago) and that I am still pondering today.
Lots of times, bringing ʻike Hawaiʻi ideas into the classroom or office, it gets pushed off as a concept, or an initiative, but to what extent can we bring our culture, our community, and our ʻāina into our architecture?
I dare you to bring your thoughts, bring your voice, and bring your design process to the chat!