Malama Learning Center
Location: Oahu, HI
Client: Malama Learning Center
Project Team: 8 inc
Mark Little - Principal
The winning entry among 236 entries to an open international design competition and winner of the Best Future Education project at the World Architecture Festival. The program called for an efficient, sustainable solution to a complex combination of requirements: educational institution, nature-conservancy study center, art center, dance studio, outdoor-indoor performance theater, native plant nursery and community center.
The spatial organization of the design consists of a dialogue between a central axis leading to the amphitheater and the volumes containing the elements of the Center’s program. Along the axis are the indoor and outdoor classrooms, landscape areas, and entrance lobbies to the principal building structures bridging the path. When completed the center will “advance conservation and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Hawai`i via the performing and visual arts” and will be a role model for future sustainable architecture.