Preserving the Sense of Place: A Case Study of Hawaii State Capitol Building

Abstract:

By featuring buildings as pure objects, modern architecture neglects the implications of what happens in between buildings [1], which is resulting in the disappearance of character of the unique places. Hawaii State Capitol building is a symbol of modern architecture in downtown Honolulu, it adopts modern aesthetic and functional design to reflect the aspirations of a modern and progressive society, yet it is deeply rooted to Hawaiian tropical climate, natural landscape, multi-culture and history. The Capitol building has been merged within the building’s geographical context and culture context. It preserves the Hawaiian sense of place; fosters the sense of belonging for local habitants. The aim of this paper is to investigate how modern architecture can help individual find his place in the midst of nature and in the midst of community under the pressure of social and economic development by taking Hawaii State Capitol building as an example.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 193-194)
• Pages: 1324-1328
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.193-194.1324
• Online since: August 2012
• Authors: Shan Jin, Ke Shi Chen, Kun Liu
• Keywords: Hawaii State Capitol Building, Modern Architecture, Sense of Place

References

[1] B. H. Morrow, V. B. Price, Anasazi Architecture and American Design, University of New Mexico Press, 1997.

[2] Sense of place, information on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sense_of_place

[3] Sense of place, information on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sense_of_place

[4] J. C. Warnecke and Associates, The Hawaii State Capitol Civic Center Master Plan to the Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Honolulu, (1968)

[5] Information on http://domuhccinfo3.hcc.hawaii.edu/tours/tours/downtown/index2-t.htm

[6] Office of the Governor, "Symbolism of the Capitol". Information on http://www.hawaiischoolreports.com/symbols/capitol.htm

[7] Information on http://books.google.com.hk/books?id=JSx8hi4VaiEC&printsec=frontcover&hl=zh-CN#v=onepage&q&f=false[8] F. Maki, Fumihiko Maki: Buildings and Projects, New York: Princeton Architectural Press, (1997)

[9] Aloha Magazine, March/April (1979)

[10] B. H. Morrow, V. B. Price, Anasazi Architecture and American Design, University of New Mexico Press, 1997.