E Hele Me Ka Pu Olo

3rd Year Design Studio

Professor Tracy Moir-Mcclean

Site Location: 58-130 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, Hawaii

Designing for: perception, formation, discovery, historical renovation

E Hele Me Ka Pu’ Olo is a project located on the North Shore of Oahu. The title is a sacred Hawaiian way of abundant flow meaning “always take an offering with you”. This is to honor both God and nature through the presence and taking a piece with you, leaving a space better than it was found. This project is to respect this ideology of the Hawaiian culture through the interaction between the wonder of place and preservation of memory through the architectural themes of perception, formation, and discovery of space.

Interested in the historical timeline of the ruins and site?

How do the architectural themes of perception, formation, and discovery lead to revealing wonder in an architectural space?

Wonder takes on many forms within reality. A wonder is dependent on the perception of the viewer but encompasses the reality of possessing an unknown. How can architecture express the relationship between the real and the wonders? This begins with the study of the component of wonder and its progression to becoming known. A wonder cannot be deemed wonderous unless the viewer establishes it as such, which is why the perception of architecture is vital in forming an understanding. The formation of wonder contributes to the acknowledgment of its components and what it consists of, much like revealing the configurations within structures. Both the perception and formation of these two can lead to discovery. Discovery is a key step toward understanding for something cannot be understood unless it is found, but this does not lead to immediate understanding. Architecture possesses the power to draw viewers inside, to reveal a greater sense. Encompassing these primary themes within design leads to an understanding of the unknown. To not only reveal wonder but bring clarity and comprehension to it through design.

>> CLICK TO ENLARGE

Strategy of Intervention:

This project is centered on an abandoned complex off the North Shore of Oahu The program will be inserted into the shell of the remaining structures as renovating what remains. One primary goal is to preserve the building while creating a space of discovery for both locals and tourists to experience. it is intended for one to enter with their own perception of what to expect, throughout their time to begin formulating that thought within the experience and at the end reach a discovery whether be freedom, a feeling, or a spiritual connection. The program is to serve as a hub for people to come to and be taken throughout the island on different explorations (including surfing, hiking snorkeling, caving, and more) then be brought back for reflection. This location would provide the transportation and rental equipment needed. The program allows visitors the ability to create their own experiences with fully customary options. Through integration within multiple different activities within nature, these experiences are provided to entice wonder of formation, and how it all came to be.
These activities are to serve as awe-inspiring moments for people not only to be a part of nature but experience all its amazing qualities. The smaller building will serve as the check-in and rental center for the preparation of adventures. The historic building will serve as the garden, and open worship center; as well as a place for venues. This is to serve as a haven for people to come to after their experiences to connect with whatever greater power they believe in. To give thanks for nature provides them with an understanding of what they have achieved throughout the day The Hawaiians take great pride in the preservation of their and giving respect to nature and her power; which these programs seek to achieve.