image © Luxigon and Snøhetta

According to the Kumulipo, a native Hawaiian creation chant, life begins with ‘ako‘ako‘a, a single coral polyp which over time creates the land and all life that inhabits it. As a diverse collective of individuals growing over many generations, the notion of coral parallels the ambitions of the Presidential Center to become catalyst of thought, action, and community. 

image © Luxigon and Snøhetta

According to the Kumulipo, a native Hawaiian creation chant, life begins with ‘ako‘ako‘a, a single coral polyp which over time creates the land and all life that inhabits it. As a diverse collective of individuals growing over many generations, the notion of coral parallels the ambitions of the Presidential Center to become catalyst of thought, action, and community. The genealogy of the proposed site itself, reclaimed land sitting above what was once the exposed reef shoreline, provides a historic precedent which reinforces this connection. Much like the polyp, the Center has the unique opportunity to create a new environment that encourages assembly, provides places to congregate, and creates shared community resources. He puko‘a kani ‘aina. The coral becomes an island.” 

image © Luxigon and Snøhetta

Project Facts

Location:Honolulu, Hawaii
Typology:Presidential Archive and Educational Center
Client:Hawaii Presidential Center
Status:Concept Design
Collaborator:Executive Architect: WCIT

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