Abstract
Island communities like Hawai’i suffer from resource scarcity and high costs of living. The result is a housing crisis that disproportionately affects low-income indigenous communities, and which is likely to become even more severe through the effects of climate change. This study addresses the need for cutting-edge research and socially-rich data on native Hawai’i housing to guide future projects and to avoid shortfalls of the past. Our research will test two design principles that have been overlooked in the development of emergency housing initiatives: the integration of Hawai’ian values in respect of the land (Āina) and people; and community engagement to generate solutions that are informed by local need. While the specific causes of periodic disasters and entrenched homelessness may vary, this study proposes a common approach rooted in the community and its cultural traditions. A key part of the study is to consider shelter design criteria from the inside out. It will focus on the material, space layout, climate quality, natural view, and lighting of the shelter’s living interior, placing emphasis on the occupants’ requirements for personal security, community sociability, and individual dignity. Our project is divided into two stages: (1) a qualitative research and data collection phase, with input from the local community; (2) a series of participative workshops to brainstorm effective design solutions, with input from expert consultants. This research project introduces an alternative way to combat climate change using local knowledge and with the input from local communities.
Presenters
Junghwa Kim SuhAssociate Professor, School of Humanities, Arts and Design, Chaminade University of Honolulu, United States Ming Hu
Project Designer / Architect, HOK Matthew Higgins
Program Coordinator, Environmental + Interior Design, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Community Design, Culturally Responsive, Interior Design, Bioclimatic Design
