‘Iolani School’s K-1 Community, embraces a community-driven design layered with biophilic experiences. By departing from traditional classroom layouts, the classrooms no longer all face out in one direction, but now engage one another to create a unique and innovative sense of place. The sense of community is further strengthened by a continuous canopy which playfully interweaves throughout each of the five classroom buildings. As a result, the spaces between buildings become functional and in turn doubles the amount of learning spaces. The K-1 community is immersed with nature, where biophilic approaches help to support the school’s forward-thinking curriculum. The relationship between art and architecture within the project is also a significant educational highlight and it presented an opportunity to collaborate with students from the high school level. The K-1 Community is part of ‘Iolani School’s larger global vision and continues to move forward their strategic plan “to create leading-edge facilities and provide spaces for discovery, growth, and expression, where students can develop the unique talents and skills that they will share with the world.” The K-1 Community is truly just the beginning.

Awards: NAIOP Kūkulu Hale Awards, Nonprofit Project Award, 2022; IIDA Hawaiʻi Pacific, Learn Award, 2021; AIA Honolulu Award of Merit, 2020; AIA Honolulu People's Choice Award, 2020