eight inc.: malama learning center

malama learning center, hawaii by eight inc. image courtesy eight inc.

U.S. firm eight inc. were awarded the prize for their malama learning center in the category of future project education at this year’s world architecture festival 09.

the design for the new malama learning center consists of a place where students and visitors alike learn about the conservation, heritage, and traditions of hawaii. in hawaiian, the word ‘malama’ means ‘to care for’ or ‘to protect’.

every aspect of the building’s design has been carefully considered with these goals in mind, and responds to a particular set of needs, programs, and it’s connection with the land – the light and air qualities of the place. the design objective is to achieve an integral relationship with the ‘aina (land). and responds directly to west oahu’s environmental conditions, and is built with natural materials relying on renewable local resources, such as the sun, wind, recyclable water, and other materials for its support.

the multi-use structure is an efficient, sustainable solution to a complex combination of requirements: educational institution, nature-conservancy study center, art center, dance studio, outdoor-indoor performance theater, and community center.

many environmental aspects have been taken into consideration in the planning of the center; – the site orientation allows for natural cooling by the trade winds. – the spacing and scale of structures limits direct solar gain, casts shade, and allows for reflected light to be used effectively. – certified lumber and recycled content materials will be utilized. – green roofs help to mitigate solar gain, control stormwater runoff and provide a planting medium for the native plant nursery. – vertical louvers on the exterior help control direct solar exposure for the interior spaces and allow for filtered, indirect natural daylighting. – a photovoltaic system is integrated into the shadehouse portion of the building. – a grey-water irrigation system will be employed. – the mechanical systems are designed according to the needs of zones defined by the type of use. those areas requiring less intensive environmental controls are clustered, as are those with a higher demand.

image courtesy eight inc.

image courtesy eight inc.

image courtesy eight inc.

image courtesy eight inc.