Project Description
FROM THE ARCHITECTS:
The first buildings of the Hawaii Community College Pālamanui Campus were constructed on a lava field in Kona. The project site includes a large archeological preserve, which influenced building placement and provides cultural education opportunities. Careful siting of the buildings in the landscape ensured the preservation of views to Mauna Kea and the ocean.
The campus was envisioned and designed as a learning laboratory: a place for learning and a learning tool itself. The challenges of the isolated site provided the design team opportunities to explore ecologically driven solutions. Key design strategies for the hot and dry site included sunlight harvesting (via photovoltaic panels), daylighting, a mixed-mode air conditioning/natural ventilation system, 100% on-site storm water management, onsite wastewater system (via constructed wetlands) and water reuse for irrigating the xeriscape plantings.
The design also included modular buildings to provide flexibility for program variation and campus expansion and transitions. Exterior covered areas facilitate the extension of learning beyond the classrooms, and Hawaii’s mild climate allows for exterior circulatory paths to reduce the need for conditioned space. A landscaped Marae or Piko, inspired by traditional Polynesian gathering spaces, serves as a gateway and gathering space for visitors, students, faculty and staff.
At the Moku Ka Piko ceremony, the cutting of the umbilical cord, the campus was symbolically returned to the larger ahupua’a (land division) and dedicated to those it serves.