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

Tropical Modernism Revisited: A Global Perspective at East-West Center

On March 29, 2025, Dean Sakamoto joined a distinguished panel of ten invited professionals and scholars for Tropical Modernism Revisited symposium organized by the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and Docomomo US_Hawaii. The event fostered a dynamic discussion on the significance of design, innovation, and their positive impacts on both the built and natural environments across the global community.

During the discussion, Dean Sakamoto delivered an engaging presentation on Vladimir Ossipoff (1907–1998), titled: Adaptive Modernism, Vladamir Ossipoff's Liberty Bank in Chinatown, Honolulu. Sakamoto highlighted Ossipoff’s pioneering approach to modern design, showcasing how he blended timeless architectural principles with modern ideals, client needs, and the specifics of Hawai‘i’s subtropical urban landscapes.

It was a full day of compelling talks by speakers from Brazil, Australia, Africa, South East Asia, South Asia, Mexico, California, and Hawai'i at the I.M. Pei designed, Jefferson Hall on the East-West Center Campus, ending with a lively Q&A with the audience.

For more information click HERE