When Dersel Bonai walked the stage to receive his Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa on May 16, he carried the pride of his ancestors. A Pacific Islander from West Papua, Bonai became the first person in his native tribe’s family lineage to earn a master鈥檚 degree.

“Being the first person in my Bonai family lineage within my tribe to earn a master鈥檚 degree means this achievement is not only for myself, but also for my ancestors, family, community, and future generations of my tribe,” Bonai said. “It reminds me that education can create new opportunities while still staying connected to my culture and identity.”

A humorous detour

Bonai鈥檚 journey to 东精影业 Mānoa featured a humorous detour. He originally earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Rhode Island, choosing the school partly because its name suggested an island environment similar to his home. Instead, he discovered freezing winters and a culture vastly different from West Papua. Seeking an environment closer to his Pacific Island heritage, Bonai, who was also active with and lived at the East-West Center, joined 东精影业 Mānoa’s School of Architecture in 2024. Hawaiʻi provided the familiar plants, landscape elements, and cultural traditions he had been missing.

Designing for healing

At 东精影业 Mānoa, Bonai focused on the intersections between land, culture, and community. His capstone project, “Designing for Healing—Cultural Revival, Ecological Restoration and Human Well-Being in West Papuan and Hawaiian Landscapes,” proposed a new design language rooted in collective well-being. Applying this to sites on Oʻahu and his home island of Yapen, West Papua, Bonai argued that healing landscapes are spaces to reconnect with traditions, land and people.

Meet more amazing 东精影业 graduates

“To me, healing means rebuilding relationships between people, land, culture and traditional knowledge,” Bonai said. “Healing can happen through simple everyday experiences, such as spending time outdoors, practicing traditions like hula in Hawaiʻi or the yospan in West Papua, working in the loʻi, or reconnecting with cultural knowledge or even just listening to the stories of our ancestral lands.”

Community connection

Since January 2025, Bonai served as a graduate student project assistant on Professor Judith Stilgenbauer鈥檚 design research team, contributing to the “Olowalu: The Road to Resilience” project with The Nature Conservancy. Engaging with the West Maui community reinforced his belief that community well-being is deeply tied to environmental health.

“Working with the community in West Maui helped me see that land is more than a physical place. It carries stories, identity, traditions, and memories,” Bonai said.

Looking ahead, Bonai plans to bring his Indigenous knowledge into his future work as a landscape architect, hoping to empower Indigenous communities and protect ecological systems across the Pacific and around the world.

An innovative mass-timber public space designed for the Kakaʻako Ma kai shoreline was presented by University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa students at the 2026 International Mass Timber Conference in Portland, Oregon. “The Hale” integrates Indigenous architectural principles with modern sustainable materials to propose a new model for public gathering spaces in Honolulu.

The project was originally developed in a first-semester graduate design studio by architecture students Edwin Sun, Jayden Uowolo and Dylan Martos. Reimagining the traditional Hawaiian “place of shelter” as a contemporary civic space, the design adapted cross-laminated timber and glue-laminated timber systems for long-term performance in tropical marine environments.

“I鈥檓 incredibly grateful for the opportunity to present my team’s work at the International Mass Timber Conference and represent the School of Architecture,” said Uowolo. “This experience pushed me to think more deeply about how traditional Pacific Island ideas can shape contemporary design, while also connecting me with a global community of designers, builders and thinkers. I left with a stronger understanding of how culture, material systems and industry all connect in the making of architecture.”

Addressing coastal challenges

The project addressed coastal challenges by elevating the structure to mitigate projected sea-level rise, storm surges and salt exposure. It also incorporated climate-specific durability strategies such as marine-grade coatings, protected steel connections and rainscreen façades integrated with cross ventilation.

Supported by School of Architecture Dean Mo Zell and guided by professors Ben Parker and Ho Kyung Lee, the students’ research also explored using locally harvested softwoods to strengthen regional supply chains and reduce transportation-related carbon emissions.

“Opportunities like this are so valuable to students,” said Parker. “They give them early exposure to the critical topics professional architects are discussing, and provide chances to network and connect with firms as they plan their own future careers. These events also enrich the school and the profession, as the exchange helps everyone to integrate education and research with real-world concerns.”

Visualizing a future where to survive rising tides has earned a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa research team the 2026 Architectural Research Centers Consortium (ARCC) Best Journal Article Award.

The team leveraged scientific data, studies and community participation to create architectural renderings that visualize how 奥补颈办ī办ī鈥檚 built environment can be modified to accommodate future flooding.

“By merging climate science with architectural design and integrating direct community feedback, we are creating forward-looking, actionable visions that will help coastal communities like Waikīkī successfully adapt to the growing realities of sea-level rise,” said Wendy Meguro, principal investigator and associate professor.

Selected for its “exceptional quality, methodological rigor, and relevance to the field,” was honored in April at the 2026 ARCC–EAAE International Conference at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia.

Engaging stakeholders

The research engaged more than 1,000 individuals, including residents, urban planners, government employees and local business owners. Presentations of these strategies have drawn hundreds of participants from recreation, hotel and restaurant industries. The findings are already being utilized by the City and County of Honolulu, the State of Hawaiʻi and the Honolulu Climate Change Commission to guide adaptation policies.

“This recognition underscores the immense value of community-driven design in climate resilience,” said research associate Josephine Briones. “Our process shows that when you actively listen to stakeholders and combine their local insights with rigorous scientific evidence, the resulting adaptation strategies become much more practical, impactful and relevant.”

Authored by Meguro, Briones, German “Gerry” Failano and Charles “Chip” Fletcher, the project represents a partnership between the , and . It was funded by Hawaiʻi Sea Grant, National Sea Grant and the Office of Naval Research.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa ballroom dance team won its third consecutive national title at the (NCDC), in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 27–29.

Competing against 37 colleges, 东精影业 Mānoa once again took first place for “highest point average,” as well as a close second place for the overall team championship, asserting its place among the nation鈥檚 top ballroom dance college teams. Winning top honors in the highest point average requires most team members to perform exceptionally well in all events.

The dancers of the Ballroom Dance Club @东精影业M—a registered independent organization at 东精影业 Mānoa—are trained and coached by Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti. Narayan and Sumukti also represented Hawaiʻi in the senior age division placing 1st in several events.

“We are no longer the underdogs, so all the other colleges are looking at us as the team to beat,” said Narayan, who is also an adjunct faculty member in the 东精影业 Mānoa . “The bar is getting raised higher and higher each year, but we prevailed once again. We are incredibly proud of the dedication of our dancers who put in many hours to prepare for this competition. We are grateful for the incredible support we have received from the entire ballroom community in the state of Hawaiʻi.”

The Ballroom Dance Club @东精影业M was formed in September 2022, and the team took first place for “highest team average” in 2024 and 2025.

“Nationals was an amazing and eye-opening experience for me,” said Caleb Zerbe, who competed in the nationals for the first time. “Getting to see so many people dance and enjoy themselves on the floor made me realize how fun dancing can be, even at the highest stages. It was a moment that helped me build a lot of confidence, and one that I will never forget.”

Christopher Ramirez, who competed on all three victorious 东精影业 Mānoa teams, added, “Given the opportunity to compete at my third nationals, there is always something new to learn. Winning for the third year in a row has reminded me just how incredible it is to be a part of this team.”

Tough competition

NCDC is a grueling competition with events starting at 7 a.m. every morning. It consisted of multiple events based on proficiency (bronze, silver, gold, etc.). Each student danced in up to 32 different events at the bronze and silver skill levels. They competed in all four styles of ballroom dance including International Standard (waltz, tango, viennese waltz, foxtrot and quickstep), American Smooth (waltz, tango, foxtrot and viennese waltz), American Rhythm (chacha, rumba, swing, bolero and mambo) and International Latin (samba, chacha, rumba, paso doble and jive).

Several students took individual first place awards in their respective divisions defeating up to 70 other competitors in some events. This trip was designed to give the team exposure to a collegiate competition, as Hawaiʻi has no statewide collegiate ballroom competitions.

More about the Ballroom Dance Club

The Ballroom Dance Club offers beginner classes to all 东精影业 Mānoa students, faculty and staff in studio 2 in the athletics department from 6—7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. No dance experience is required. For more information, or visit their Instagram page @bdcuhm.

The team would like to thank the Department of Information and Computer Sciences, 东精影业 Mānoa Department of Athletics, Student Activity and Program Fee Board, Associated Students of the University of Hawaiʻi, USA Dance Honolulu and the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation for facility and financial support.

东精影业 Mānoa 2026 nationals collegiate and adult team roster:

• Ravi Narayan, faculty (computer science), coach and alumnus
• Synthia Sumukti, coach and alumna
• ʻAulani Wagner, library science and American studies
• Alexander Picken, Earth science
• Amanda Kanthack, psychology and Japanese
• Caleb Zerbe, computer science
• Christopher Ramirez, linguistics
• Christopher Wright, electrical engineering
• Courtney Hisamoto, computer science
• D’Elle Martin, architecture
• Elijah Saloma, computer science
• Gregory Snyder, mechanical engineering
• Hannah Madiam, kinesiology
• Iris Calauan, pre-nursing
• Jonathan Bona, civil engineering
• Julietta Lopez, architecture
• Kanaru Ebi, psychology
• Karl Merritt, mechanical engineering
• Luis Hernandez, electrical and computer engineering
• Lyndsey Moku, political science
• Maya Ito, psychology
• Michaella Villanueva, computer science
• Noah Asano, computer science
• Samantha Reed, computer science
• Shaelyn Loo, computer science
• Tessa Heidkamp, journalism and political science
• Andrew Lin, computer science alumnus
• Sydney Kim, computer science alumna
• Jason Aguda, computer engineering alumnus
• Matthew Rummel, political science and business alumnus
• Ariel Ramos, cinematic arts animation alumna
• Yong-Sung Masuda, computer science alumnus
• Wilson Tran, computer science alumnus
• Florence Liu, faculty, mathematics

Luis Hernandez and Maya Ito dancing the American Cha-cha in the Collegiate Team Match where 东精影业 Mānoa placed 3rd. (Video courtesy: Calvin Ota)

Elijah Saloma and Michaella Villanueva dancing the International Quickstep in the Collegiate Team Match where 东精影业 Mānoa placed 3rd. (Video courtesy: Calvin Ota)

Coaches Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti dancing the Mambo in the Senior IV American Rhythm Championship final. (Video courtesy: Ravi Sundaram)

Students cheering for their coaches Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti (Video courtesy: Ravi Sundaram)

To introduce both undergraduate and graduate students to the rapidly evolving world of AI-driven architectural design, this spring the University of Hawaiʻi offered a new course on designing with artificial intelligence (AI), designed to integrate emerging technologies with human creativity.

The course requires no prior experience in AI, architecture or complex design software and is open to students from all majors.

Students are learning to incorporate modern AI tools into local design projects. A recent course assignment involved designing a single-family home on one of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) scattered sites (units located at more than one location). Using AI-assisted workflows, the students successfully produced full presentation materials and architectural animations for the project.

AI as a tool, not a replacement

“Something interesting that I learned in the AI design course was that it isn’t necessarily a process where the AI is taking control of the work produced, but it has been a process of lots of guidance and decisions based on what the AI is producing,” Darci-Lyn Kaina, a second-year 东精影业 architecture student, said. “It really took away the fear that I had before this semester, where I thought AI would be taking over architecture.”

Professor Hyoung-June Park designed the curriculum to focus on four core areas: AI program generation, spatial massing development, AI-assisted three-dimensional modeling, and the integration of AI workflows into architectural decision-making.

“Through a series of guided exercises and design explorations, students are learning how AI can support and augment architectural thinking rather than replace human authorship,” said Park. He concluded by invoking William Gibson鈥檚 observation: “The future is already here—it鈥檚 just not very evenly distributed.”

Visionary architect Francis S. Oda, a University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 distinguished alumnus who played a key role in shaping the 东精影业 School of Architecture, died on February 14, 2026.

Oda was instrumental in developing the Doctor of Architecture program at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补. His contributions included his service as an adjunct associate professor of the 东精影业 School of Architecture and as a 惭腻苍辞补 Forum Fellow. He also helped with the 东精影业 Long Range Development Program.

“Francis was such a monument in the field. A one-time architect for the University, he oversaw the development of many of the institution鈥檚 now seminal buildings. With G70, he extended Hawaiʻi鈥檚 influence worldwide,” said Professor Bill Chapman, former dean of the School of Architecture. “He was a true gentleman, who embraced his responsibilities to the wider community.”

Oda was a co-founder of Hawaiʻi design firm G70, where he guided the company for more than 50 years. His work and mentoring of generations of professionals helped shape Hawaiʻi鈥檚 built environment, reflecting his deep respect for culture, community and place.

“Francis was more than one of our founders—he was a mentor, spiritual father and source of inspiration for everyone who had the privilege of working with him,” said Linda Miki, CEO of G70. “His legacy lives on in our G70 ʻOhana, our projects and our commitment to serving Hawaiʻi and beyond with integrity and care.”

A Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Oda received numerous accolades, including the Gordon Bradley Humanitarian Award and induction into the Hawaii Business Hall of Fame. His award-winning projects include the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele, Hanauma Bay Nature Center, and master plans for the City of Kapolei.

Internationally, he designed projects such as Bora Bora Resort, French Polynesia, Roches Noires Smart City, Mauritius and Place Jacques Chirac, Papeete, French Polynesia, and Heaven鈥檚 Gate, Fernie, British Columbia, Canada. Oda was also a senior pastor and board chair of New Life Church Honolulu.

He is survived by wife Caroline and children, Reid and Nalani. A celebration of life service will be held on April 25, 2026, at the First Assembly of God – Red Hill, Moanalua. as it becomes available.

Christian de Quevedo, a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumnus, founded Lēʻahi Landscaping after identifying a disconnect between the importance of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 built environments and the standards of the industry serving them. Landscapes shape some of the state鈥檚 most visible and valuable spaces, yet the work behind them is often noisy, emissions-heavy and unreliable.

In Hawaiʻi鈥檚 unique setting, Lēʻahi takes a site-specific approach to sustainability and land stewardship at residential and commercial sites. Using drone mapping and environmental modeling, the team evaluates sun exposure, wind, drainage and soil conditions before design begins. This leads to smarter decisions and fewer unnecessary inputs. As climate pressures and wildfire risks increase, resilience guides the work—prioritizing landscapes that are environmentally appropriate, safer over time and that deliver value to property owners.

“I couldn鈥檛 find a service that matched the standards expected in other professional sectors, so I set out to build one,” said de Quevedo, who graduated from the JD/MBA program in 2021.

A defining principle of de Quevedo鈥檚 entrepreneurial journey has been adaptation. He believes Hawaiʻi businesses can no longer rely on geographic isolation or outdated practices. He said local companies are now measured against national and global standards.

He credited his law degree from the with shaping his analytical approach and his MBA program with giving him the tools to act, scale and execute, and said that his Shidler experience reinforced systems thinking, disciplined operations and long-term value creation.

He also emphasized that none of Lēʻahi鈥檚 success would be possible without Kaimalu Stanich, his business partner, close friend and a graduate of 东精影业 Mānoa鈥檚 , or without the Lēʻahi team. Since founding the company, he said all profits have been reinvested into growth, systems and employees, reflecting a belief that long-term success begins with investing in people.

For the entire story and more stories like this, see the .

A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Architecture student has earned top national honors at an industry-sponsored design competition held during the annual convention of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) in Kansas City, Missouri from February 2–6.

Rebecca Hiller, a master of architecture candidate, participated in Project Precast, a three-day design charrette that challenges students to develop innovative building proposals using precast concrete systems under real-world constraints. The competition emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration, with each team composed of two architecture students, one structural engineering student and one construction management student.

Hiller received the WOW Award, presented to the most outstanding individual student among all participants. In addition, her team earned the Award of Excellence – Outstanding Structural Design, recognizing the group’s technical rigor, structural innovation and integrated design approach.

“The competition was an intense but rewarding experience,” Hiller said. “Working closely with students from structural engineering and construction management pushed our design thinking beyond architecture alone. It showed how much stronger a project can be when design, structure and construction are developed together from the start.”

The competition took place during the PCI Convention and involved interaction with industry professionals, who served as mentors and jurors throughout the charrette. Teams were evaluated on design quality, constructability, structural performance and clarity of presentation.

“Rebecca consistently demonstrated the ability to connect design intent with structural logic and constructability,” 东精影业 Mānoa architecture Professor Ho Kyung Lee said. “Her success at Project Precast reflects steady growth over multiple semesters and a genuine commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary design.”

Hiller’s project, Riverside Station, is a multimodal transportation hub encompassing four stories and approximately 130,000 square feet. It integrates a streetcar station, shuttle and car drop-off areas, parking facilities and a variety of community-serving spaces. Its building systems—from fa莽ade to structure—primarily rely on precast concrete, celebrating the material’s versatility and range of applications.

Hiller’s accomplishments highlight 东精影业 Mānoa’s architecture curriculum and the ability of its students to excel in national, interdisciplinary design environments that bridge design education and professional practice.

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 Professor Kevin Nute traveled to Japan in November to present a series of six lectures based on his new book, Frank Lloyd Wright and Japan Revisited (London: World Scientific, 2025).

The series, which drew an audience of more than 300 students and professionals, covered venues across Japan. Nute presented at the French and Italian Schools of the Far East in Kyoto, Kyoto University, Hiroshima University and Mie University. He also lectured to the American Institute of Architects in Japan and was hosted by renowned Japanese architect Professor Kengo Kuma at the University of Tokyo. Kuma also penned the foreword to the new book.

“It was wonderful to have the opportunity to share what I’ve learned over the last 30 years about Wright’s creative debt to Japanese culture with Japanese audiences,” said Nute. “They really seemed to appreciate it too.”

The lectures expanded on the arguments in his book, which re-examines Wright’s interpretations of traditional Japanese forms in the context of otherness, appropriation, abstraction and translation.

As a result of the lecture series, Nute is now in discussions regarding a Japanese translation of Frank Lloyd Wright and Japan Revisited, potentially making his work accessible to a wider audience.

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 Assistant Professor Ho Kyung Lee and Assistant Professor Erin Voss are the 2025–2026 recipients of the Elmer Botsai Professional Practice Fund. The fund supports faculty immersion in the culture and practice of architecture firms outside Hawaiʻi, allowing them to bring global knowledge back to the classroom.

Lee: Timber in tropical contexts

Lee will travel to Portland, Oregon, to be hosted by LEVER Architecture, a nationally recognized leader in mass timber innovation and sustainable material systems. Lee will study research and design, observe project workflows and fabrication processes, and meet with sustainability and fabrication teams to gain insight into how to adapt mass timber for tropical contexts.

“I am incredibly excited to collaborate with LEVER Architecture to understand how their expertise in mass timber can be adapted for Hawaiʻi鈥檚 unique environment,” said Lee. “Observing their integrated design process will provide invaluable, cutting-edge knowledge that I look forward to bringing directly back to our architecture students.”

Voss: M膩ori design principles

Voss will travel to T膩maki Makaurau-Auckland, Aotearoa-New Zealand, to be hosted by LandLAB, a design-led studio focused on sustainable landscape and urbanism projects. Her exchange will explore outreach methodologies for co-designing opportunities and incorporating M膩ori design principles to create a strong sense of place. Voss plans to shadow designers, meet with key mana whenua/iwi (local tribal groups), and visit built projects to develop case studies and methodologies to inform future 东精影业 architecture courses.

“I鈥檓 looking forward to seeing how firms like LandLAB collaborate with local and Indigenous communities to create culturally and ecologically sustainable landscapes,” said Voss. “This is a great chance to learn how outreach and the co-design process is adapted with different M膩ori communities, which is a model students can engage with in their own projects as they think about place-based design in Hawaiʻi.”

What does the future hold for some of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s most iconic spaces? Students recently had the chance to provide possible answers to that question, offering their creative ideas to help reimagine Legacy Path and Andrews Amphitheater.

The (CDL) hosted interactive design workshops on September 24 and October 2, inviting students to engage in discussions and creative activities. The goal was to gather direct feedback on how these key campus areas can better support student life, from daily commutes and study sessions to social gatherings and moments of relaxation.

“I wish this area could be improved to have more space for eating, studying, and hanging out. I’m always looking for a spot because there isn’t enough space to eat,” said Jayden Uowolo, a first year doctorate student at the .

These hands-on sessions are a cornerstone of the university’s approach to campus development, ensuring that the people who use the spaces every day are central to their evolution.

“Hearing directly from students is the most critical part of our design process,” said Brian Strawn, 东精影业 director of campus planning and spatial experience. “They are the experts on their own experience, and their ideas are what transform a simple path or an old amphitheater into a vibrant heart of campus life.”

Proven model for campus improvement

Engaging students in the design process has already proven successful across the 东精影业 Mānoa campus. Insights from previous workshops have been instrumental in shaping several major projects, including the ongoing McCarthy Mall renovation, the recently completed Aloha Towers student housing renovation, and the upcoming furniture improvement project for student housing.

During an activity, students selected from more than 50 cards—each representing a potential campus feature or amenity—and placed them on a large campus model to show where they’d like to see those ideas take shape in the future.

“I really enjoyed the workshop–the card exercise was a great way to visualize and see opportunities for this area,” said Jonathan Calvillo, a fourth year undergraduate student studying environmental design.

The feedback collected from the recent workshops on Legacy Path and Andrews Amphitheater will directly guide future design plans. These efforts are part of 东精影业 Mānoa’s broader master planning initiatives, which are aimed at creating more welcoming, functional and inspiring environments that enhance the overall student experience.

Students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa gained critical, hands-on experience in precast concrete design (a construction product produced by casting concrete in a reusable mold or “form”) during a week-long opportunity September 9–12. The program directly links students with industry leaders to explore innovative and practical solutions for Hawaiʻi鈥檚 unique built environment.

During the week, students participated in a series of activities including a tour of Waikīkī and downtown Honolulu鈥檚 precast concrete buildings, GPRM Precast鈥檚 fabrication plant, a visit to their project site at Neal Blaisdell Park and lectures from industry experts. The course, directed by Assistant Professor Ho Kyung Lee, emphasizes real-world problem solving and collaboration.

“Programs like the PCI Precast Studio expand our students鈥� understanding of materials through active engagement with both industry leaders and academic partners,” said Lee.

The collaboration will continue throughout the semester with a trip to Los Angeles for a joint design review with Cal Poly Pomona students and a future roundtable workshop with local engineers and construction managers in October.

Later in the semester, students will meet with engineers and experts from the GPRM precast company. They will get professional advice to help improve their project designs, showing the importance of working as a team with experts from different fields to solve real-life construction problems.

The program is part of the Studio, a partnership now in its fourth year that connects 东精影业 Mānoa with the PCI Foundation, PCI West and the Cal Poly Pomona School of Architecture. It exemplifies the School of Architecture鈥檚 commitment to material-driven design education, connecting students directly with precast producers, architects, engineers and peers to explore innovative approaches in Hawaiʻi.

A multidisciplinary team of professors at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa was awarded a $400,000 grant to develop an augmented reality learning system for design education. Led by architecture, computer science and education faculty the three-year project aims to create a more immersive and collaborative learning experience for undergraduate students.

“This grant will allow us to address a critical skills shortage in the architecture, engineering and construction industry sector using innovative technologies—at the same time, it provides a research focus and funding to support emerging faculty and graduate research assistants,” said Principal Investigator Eric Peterson from the .

The new learning system will incorporate advanced technologies such as Spatial Augmented Reality (SAR), Tangible User Interfaces (TUI) and Natural Language Processing. SAR projects images onto surfaces without requiring headsets. TUI uses physical models that interact with a computer, allowing students to engage with physical models in a realistic learning environment, while their movements are tracked by a motion capture system and analyzed by an AI learning system.

“My teaching has always centered on helping students develop structural intuition through hands-on experiments, iteration, and feedback,” said School of Architecture Professor Yasushi Ishida, who is also co-principal investigator. “I’m excited to carry this approach further through interdisciplinary collaboration, using new technologies to create immersive and collaborative ways for students to engage with structural design.”

Impacting STEM teaching

The project will also have a broader impact on how STEM subjects are taught. The team believes their findings will reveal optimal student learning methods, which can be applied to other subjects where models or diagrams aid in understanding complex concepts.

“In the last few years, my collaborators and I have worked on communicating scientific data of geo-spatial nature by combining tangible interfaces and spatial augmentation,” said Nurit Kirshenbaum from the , who is also co-principal investigator. “It is exciting to bring our research to this interdisciplinary project where we can focus on education in architecture and engineering as a new application domain for our technology.”

The project team also includes Seungoh Paek and Daniel Hoffman from the ’s Department of Learning Design & Technology, who will bring their expertise in developing and testing technology-enhanced learning.

“This interdisciplinary project is a fantastic opportunity to bring together expertise from across units in a way that will benefit learners and make 东精影业 Mānoa shine,” said Hoffman.

A new study reveals a wide variety of approaches across the U.S. for establishing building elevation guidelines that account for future sea level rise, highlighting a need for more standardized methods. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa research, , provides a critical resource for policymakers and designers in coastal communities such as Hawaiʻi who are planning for the impacts of climate change.

“With coastal high tide flooding having doubled in the U.S. in the last two decades, it’s clear that we need to build for the future, not just for the past,” said lead author Wendy Meguro, an associate professor in the 东精影业 Mānoa and director of the Environmental Research and Design Lab. “Our main suggestion is for policymakers and designers to plan for sea-level rise amounts projected within a building鈥檚 lifetime.”

Serving Hawaiʻi

This research directly supports state and county efforts in Hawaiʻi to adapt coastal communities to the impacts of sea-level rise by informing future building policies. The collaborative project also aligns with 东精影业 Mānoa鈥檚 strategic goals of fostering faculty-mentored student research that responds to state needs.

“This research is crucial for supporting community resilience in Hawaiʻi,” said Eric Teeples, who was a doctor of architecture graduate student while working on the project and is a co-author of the paper. “Sea level rise is a real threat to many coastal communities, and Hawaiʻi is particularly vulnerable. By learning from others, we can develop informed, forward-thinking, and actionable approaches that fit our community.”

The research team plans to share their findings and gather public feedback at a presentation in late 2025. This event will focus on different methods to determine minimum building elevation to adapt to sea-level rise and seek community preferences to help inform future guidelines and policies for Hawaiʻi, with a particular focus on Honolulu.

Comparing national approaches

As climate change accelerates, rising sea levels will dramatically increase flood risk, yet methods to establish minimum building elevations for sea level rise are not standardized. Current Federal Emergency Management Agency standards are based on historical flood data and do not account for future sea level conditions. This leaves local governments to develop their own guidance.

The study identified and compared seven initiatives—ranging from the federal level to municipalities like New York City and Boston—that have developed building elevation guidance incorporating future sea level rise. The authors analyzed key factors such as the starting point for water level measurements, the projected sea-level rise scenarios, and whether the guidelines are required or merely recommended.

By analyzing these different approaches, the research underscores the potential for more consistent methods and informs decision-making for officials developing their own sea-level rise design flood elevations.

The work was funded by the Office of Naval Research and a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through the 东精影业 Sea Grant College Program.

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Nine University of Hawaiʻi faculty members were celebrated for transforming their classrooms through entrepreneurial thinking at a May 16 showcase hosted at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center.

The event marked the culmination of the inaugural season of the , a year-long professional development initiative designed to help faculty integrate experiential learning, entrepreneurship and engineering design into their curricula.

“These frameworks are designed to help students develop critical skills for the modern workplace, preparing them to grow into innovative, problem-solving contributors to society,” (PACE) Executive Director Sandra Fujiyama said.

The faculty members in the inaugural cohort—from disciplines such as architecture, business, esports and nutrition—were awarded digital badges, certificates and stipends in recognition of their efforts to reshape how 东精影业 students learn.

Student wins reflect faculty impact

EL3vate participants Associate Professor Kacie Ho (), Assistant Professor Yasushi Ishida () and Assistant Professor Xiaodan Mao-Clark ( in the ) introduced their students to PACE business and innovation competitions. Ho and Ishida鈥檚 students were among the awardees in the Innovate 808 competition with their kimchee and marinara flavor chip seasonings and an architectural storefront makeover, respectively.

“I’ve had the privilege of coaching Kalo Grants student entrepreneurs for over a year now, and their creativity, expertise and passion for their community continue to inspire me,” Mao-Clark said. “Their projects not only drive my teaching to foster an entrepreneurial mindset in the classroom but also propel my research to improve community sustainability.”

Collaborations spark cross-campus creativity

In addition, Ishida partnered with a 东精影业 Maui College faculty member on a Lahaina-focused course initiative, blending design and business perspectives. In a separate collaboration, Mao-Clark worked with a 东精影业 Hilo faculty member on an initiative where students engaged with the community, strengthening their learning experience through real-world connections.

“From using the PACE 3D printer to create a scale model of Lahaina for my ‘Rebuilding Lahaina’ seminar, to students in the capstone studio clearly communicating their designs with printed models, hands-on tools make a significant impact,” Ishida said. “I’m eager for more opportunities like Innovate808 that allow our students to connect their unique skills outside the university setting.”

Gaming meets entrepreneurship

东精影业 Esports students are gaining invaluable entrepreneurial skills and industry connections through a dynamic collaboration between Nyle Sky Kauweloa (东精影业 Esports director and 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 specialist faculty for interdisciplinary studies) and PACE.

“Over the previous three years, PACE has been critical with expanding support for the 东精影业 Esports program by giving our esports players, student leaders and video game community a broader vision of how to align their interests in digital games and entrepreneurship,” Kauweloa said. “With our new 东精影业 Esports arena opening up soon (right across the street from PACE), there is more to come!”

PACE, housed in the Shidler College of Business, continues to lead systemwide efforts to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in education. Faculty interested in future opportunities, including the EL3vate program, can find more information at this . The EL3vate program is a collaboration between PACE, and Maui Economic Development Board.

The lawn between the School of Architecture and Hawaiʻi Hall, the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 historic Quad, was overtaken by towering, walk-through inflatable structures on May 6. The occasion? The 鈥檚 annual Inflatables Installation, a full-scale exhibition by first-year students exploring how air-powered design can meet real-world needs.

This year鈥檚 theme, “Temporary Emergency Space,” challenged 85 students across 12 teams to create deployable structures that could serve as emergency shelters, triage zones, or community gathering hubs. Over three weeks, students fabricated their designs using plastic sheeting, tape, and fans, resulting in an immersive public showcase.

Inflatable architecture, also known as pneumatic structures, has real-world applications such as field hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic and rapid-deploy shelters in disaster zones.

“Students work in teams, plan in detail, and troubleshoot everything from seam design to inflation logic,” said Associate Professor Lance Walters. “They’re learning architecture not as a static object, but as a system of materials, people, forces and experiences.”

From concept to large-scale prototype

“I was really excited to see all the hard work we put in come to life,” said Bri Bissett, a first-year student whose team designed Cozy Cone, a three-winged inflatable space. “Each wing has its own purpose鈥攐ne for medical care, one for relaxation, and one for reuniting with loved ones. The winds gave us some trouble, but tape was our best friend!”

The annual installation marks the final project for ARCH 102, a first-year design studio. It gives students the opportunity to apply foundational lessons of spatial thinking, construction logic and collaboration.

“Razzle Dazzle is our inflatable camo cone, a spot for soldiers to regroup, plan, or just catch their breath,” said freshman Ava Blasy. “It was surprising seeing it actually stand up after all our work!”

A tradition of creativity with purpose

The Inflatables Installation has become a much-anticipated tradition at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, drawing attention not only for its visual impact, but also for how it encourages young designers to connect their projects to broader social and environmental issues. Past events have included themes such as intervention, the moon, and the Arctic. This year鈥檚 theme was inspired by faculty collaboration with Professor Bundit Kanisthakhon, who is researching alternative emergency shelters.

Newly appointed architecture Dean Mo Zell, who joined 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 three weeks ago, visited the event and noted the creativity and care the students brought to their work.

“Inflatables are not just a novelty—they’re a serious design medium for thinking about: how quickly we can create space, what it means to occupy space temporarily, and how architecture can respond immediately to human need,” said Walters.

Graduate students from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 School of Architecture (SoA) recently traveled to Los Angeles for a three-day immersive field trip filled with professional engagement and hands-on learning. Part of the MArch Capstone Studio (ARCH 783) co-taught by Assistant Professors Yasushi Ishida and Ho Kyung Lee, the experience offered students the chance to meet leading architects, tour landmark buildings and see firsthand how ideas take shape in practice.

Students visited renowned firms including Gensler, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Michael Maltzan Architecture, EC3 and Morphosis. Each stop featured office tours, presentations and candid conversations with designers about their processes and inspirations.

“This trip grew from a student鈥檚 question about the role of physical models,” said Ishida. “I wanted to show how leading firms use them as vital design tools, while also connecting students with LA鈥檚 design culture and walking them through buildings I helped design. It became a meaningful bridge between their education and professional aspirations, and we are incredibly grateful to the firms and individuals who shared their time and insights.”

Learning from top LA architects

Founder Edwin Chan welcomed students to EC3, sharing insights from his time at Gehry Partners where he helped design the Guggenheim Bilbao, and discussing current projects such as Detroit鈥檚 Core City. He highlighted physical models as key to collaboration and client ownership.

Michael Maltzan Architecture demonstrated how models advance both design and community dialogue, especially in projects such as the 6th Street Viaduct and supportive housing for Skid Row.
Students also visited BIG鈥檚 LA office to explore a wide range of projects, from homes to Toyota Woven City, an experimental prototype for future living in Japan.

A highlight was visiting Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne at Morphosis and his personal studio, Stray Dog Caf茅, where students engaged in conversation about the evolution of design ideas and staying authentic in a changing profession.

“Seeing the level of creativity, professionalism and intensity across all the offices we visited was both humbling and inspiring,” said student Paul Mullins. “It made me realize how much room there is to grow, and how much is possible when you鈥檙e deeply committed to the work.”

In addition to firm visits, students toured significant sites including The Broad, Emerson College LA, Neutra VDL House and Griffith Observatory. They also connected with students and faculty at Southern California Institute of Architecture, exchanging ideas and presenting work.

A simple dinner disrupted by flowers sparked an innovative design鈥攁 dining table that adapts to its surroundings. This idea led Steven Hill, 3D Lab director at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 , to win the 2024 Lāʻau Pono Award at . Sponsored by the Hawaiʻi Forest Industry Association, the award honors artists who creatively and responsibly use Hawaiʻi-grown woods, blending sustainability with design and craftsmanship.

It is always a great opportunity for the students to get creative while they are also learning about the rich materials that Hawaiʻi鈥檚 forests provide.
—Steven Hill

“The idea came from a simple dinner with my wife, where I realized that the flowers on the table were coming between us,” Hill said. “That moment sparked the question鈥攚hat if a table could adapt to its surroundings rather than just be a static piece of furniture?”

Hill named his design “Baby, You鈥檙e My Centerpiece,” resulting in a beautifully crafted red eucalyptus table with a recessed, hand-blown glass vase set in a wave-textured medallion carved with a computer controlled router.

“The table is designed to be part of the meal,” Hill explained. “I wanted to create something that was not only beautiful but also functional and interactive. This table invites people to engage with it, whether by switching out the vase, using the koa cover, or adding a wine carafe.”

The red eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) originates from Tantalus, and was planted in the 19th century as part of a reforestation effort by King David Kal膩kaua. The table鈥檚 koa elements, sourced from a fallen tree in South Kona, add further layers of history and craftsmanship.

Mentoring future designers

At the 3D Lab, Hill guides students in digital fabrication and hands-on building, promoting sustainability in the real-world design. He supports the Innovation+Imagination Student Challenge, encouraging students to explore locally sourced wood for creative projects. Hill sees furniture design as an important exercise in architectural thinking, urging students to consider form, function and sustainability.

“It is always a great opportunity for the students to get creative while they are also learning about the rich materials that Hawaiʻi鈥檚 forests provide,” said Hill.

The , a year-long professional development initiative, is fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the University of Hawaiʻi system. After a successful inaugural cohort in 2024, the program is now recruiting faculty for its 2025 cohort.

Developed in collaboration with the , (PACE) and , the program assists faculty with integrating experiential learning, entrepreneurial frameworks and engineering design thinking into their course curricula.

“The EL3vate Program is equipping 东精影业 faculty with the tools, industry connections, and hands-on learning strategies needed to inspire the next generation of innovators,” said PACE Executive Director Sandra Fujiyama. “We鈥檙e not only transforming education at 东精影业 but also driving real-world impact across Hawaiʻi鈥檚 communities and industries.”

Apply for the 2025 cohort

. 东精影业 faculty looking to enhance their teaching and provide students with hands-on learning experiences are encouraged to learn more and apply by March 28.

Inaugural cohort success

The first cohort has sparked exciting results:

• PACE competitions: EL3vate participants Associate Professor Kacie Ho (东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 ), Assistant Professor Yasushi Ishida (东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 ) and Assistant Professor Xiaodan Mao-Clark (东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 in the ) introduced their students to PACE business and innovation competitions encouraging entrepreneurial thinking and real-world problem-solving. Ho and Ishida鈥檚 students were among the awardees in the Innovate 808 competition with their kimchee and marinara flavor chip seasonings and an architectural storefront makeover, respectively.
• Cross-disciplinary collaborations and community engagement: Ishida partnered with Gary Albitz ( business and hospitality) on a Lahaina-focused course initiative, blending design and business perspectives. As part of the project, Ishida utilized the maker spaces at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center to 3D print first terrain models of Lahaina, with support from student PACE Leaders in the Maker program. In a separate collaboration, Kimberly Russell (东精影业 Hilo ) and Mao-Clark worked together on an initiative where their students engaged with the community, strengthening their learning experience through real-world connections.
• Business and esports: 东精影业 Esports students are gaining invaluable entrepreneurial skills and industry connections through a dynamic collaboration between Nyle Sky Kauweloa (东精影业 Esports director and 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 specialist faculty for interdisciplinary studies) and PACE. This ongoing partnership, known as PACE X 东精影业 Esports, has recently provided students with two impactful LevelUp workshops and an engaging panel discussion co-hosted with the 东精影业 . Industry leaders from top gaming companies shared their expertise, illuminating exciting career opportunities in esports and gaming management. As a testament to the program’s success, three of Kauweloa’s students are now participating in the PACE Entrepreneurs program, where they are developing an innovative pop-up PC cafe concept.
• Course redesign: With guidance and support from the EL3vate program, faculty were able to integrate the 4Cs: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Communication in addition to the other into their course learning objectives.