Mass Timber Blitz

On Friday, October 17, SHADE Institute had over 100 people attend the Mass Timber Blitz at SHADE.

Mass Timber construction offers numerous benefits, including environmental advantages, faster construction timelines, and enhanced building aesthetics. The training aimed to bring together development, design, and construction leaders to explore how mass timber - a renewable domestic resource - can transform the islands' built environment into one that is more sustainable, humane, and economically achievable.

The program commenced with a Kick-Off Event on October 16, followed by a full-day training session on October 17. We concluded with a Pau Hana, attended by our partners, sponsors, volunteer students, and event participants.

Thank you to our partners, sponsors, volunteers, and participants for joining us!

VISIT THE EXHIBITION

On view at SHADE from October 21-November 21, 2025. FREE ADMISSION.

Gallery hours: Tue-Fri, 11am-5pm, Sat, 11am-2pm, or by appointment (808) 591-5558

UH graduate students explore how to improve Chinatown, Downtown Honolulu

“What has to happen to make downtown more inviting, cleaner and safer for people who work and live in the area?

Kim hails the effort as an opportunity to explore what’s possible for a downtown where office space is making way for residential apartments and property owners are exploring an added tax — an assessment to help reach that goal. But what worked in Waikīkī may not fly in downtown.

“Part of what we were trying to do with this project is to get people to understand what the challenges are, to look at the analyses that have been done, and then see some of the potential outcomes of this. And so in addition to reports and presentations, each of the students was required to do a poster," Kim said.”

Click HERE to listen to The Conversation with host Catherine Cruz and guest Dr. Karl Kim

Downtown Honolulu, Chinatown revitalization plans developed by UH students

“Twelve graduate students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa showcased innovative proposals to revitalize Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown through the establishment of a Business Improvement District (BID). Their work was presented on May 9, at the historic Liberty Bank Building—a mid-century modern landmark designed by popular architect Vladimir Ossipoff—in front of local planners, architects, engineers and community stakeholders.

The proposals address the need for enhanced services beyond what the city currently provides, such as waste management, security and beautification. This framework is designed to ensure ongoing maintenance, promote local businesses and attract both residents and visitors.”

Click HERE to read more about the practicum course and the proposals by the students.

You can also stop by SHADE (99 N. King St) to see the students work until the end of May. Gallery hours: Tuesday - Friday 11am-2pm

Center for Public Interest Design

Dean Sakamoto, SHADE's executive director, met with Sergio Palleroni and his key team members at the Center for Public Interest Design (CPID), a research [+action] center at the Department of Architecture, Portland State University.

Palleroni is one of founders and thought leaders of the global study and practice of public interest design. PSU's graduate certificate in PID is groundbreaking and one of the few university programs of its kind. SHADE aspires to collaborate with the CPID through future programming and projects. 

See more about what CPID has been working on HERE

Center for Public Interest Design website, about page