Kuleana Center
Community Center Design

Jesalyn Dahlstrom

Programming + Research

The Kuleana Center is starting its commitment to community health, sustainable living, and educations in Honolulu, HI. The Honolulu Community Committee was designed to represent the diversity of the area and bring a range of experiences and expertise to the project. With a desire to bring the people of Honolulu a secure environment meant for growth and harmony with dedication to malama - to care for our environment and for one another.

The new building has partnered with the Honolulu Public Library and Kona Blue Sky Coffee to create a space that blends Hawaiian culture and traditions with technology and resources. The main floor offers a marketspace, bookstore, coffee shop, library, meeting rooms, study areas, and a makerspace. Featuring native wood species and plants throughout the design. The mezzanine level contains a demonstration kitchen and community garden adjacent to a seed library in addressing food insecurity in Hawaii. The Center is located near public transportation creating opportunity for all to visit. Honolulu is prospering in micromobility so there is access, storage, and charging stations for e-bikes and scooters.

CLIENT

Honolulu Community Committee

LOCATION

Honolulu, HI

PROJECT TYPE

Community Center | Library

SIZE

15,450 SF

Project Goals

SUSTAINABILITY

Fruits and Vegetables | N01 Accessibility and education on fruits and vegetables through the community garden and kitchen.
Light exposure | L01
All employees and guests provided with maximized daylight exposure and glass walls.
Active Buildings + Communities | V01
Yoga classes and recreation facilities encourage movement for all age groups.
Sound Mapping | S01
Acoustical ceiling and wall elements maintain level of comfort through minimization of sound.
Nature and Place | M02
Native species scape the space, supporting occupant well-being and connection to nature.

FUNCTIONAL

All users and employees to have access to daylight and views of Honolulu nature on both levels of the building.
A WELL Certified building is a huge goal. Most importantly, following and including as many standards as possible.
Approachable and nonintimidating spaces, tools, and programs for all individuals from the diverse area.
Design for all age groups through shared spaces and zoned spaces. A natural palette, flexible furniture, and youth/teen space.
Celebrate Natives of Hawaii and respect their culture through my design choices.

AESTHETIC

Space to feel earthy and warm focusing on the natural environment and inclusivity to be achieved throughout the entire design.
Functional and ergonomic design to create a comfortable and productive work environment.
Kona Blue Sky coffee shop to embrace the shores of Hawaii. With maximized daylight and colors that speak to the environment.
Library will optimize acoustical solutions creating an atmosphere for various needs. Paying homage to the mountains of the island.
Demo Kitchen, makerspace, and garden will encourage creativity, collaboration, and concentration among users and members.

End Users

Ruth Reyes, 29 | Center Employee & Former Biology Teacher

Ruth has lived in Hawaii for majority of her life. As a high school biology teacher, she is looking to change career paths. As a full time employee, she needs a workstation that supports planning events and organizing the community garden. Online work will be done on a laptop and occasionally a monitor.

Aolani Manu, 78 | Retired Business Owner

Aolani is a Hawaii Native who has suffered from the loss of land rights but had a successful business crafting and selling palm baskets for 35 years. Meeting rooms are needed for her palm basket making classes along with a comfortable space to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Liam Jones, 52 | In-house Personal Caregiver

Liam lives in Honolulu and commutes to work and around the city using e-bikes. He is a very involved community member and enjoys repairing items with hope to give them purpose again. He needs a space that provides tools and room where he can learn how to repair these items, giving them continued or new purpose.

Concept Imagery

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