NEWS RELEASE

Kamehameha Schools to Unveil Plans for Unique Public Gathering Space

Kamehameha Schools and Interisland Terminal today unveiled plans for Kaka‘ako Agora, a unique public space in Our Kaka‘ako designed by noted Tokyo-based architectural firm Atelier Bow-Wow.

Founded in 1992 by architects Yoshiharu Tsukamoto and Momoyo Kaijima, Atelier Bow-Wow has designed and built houses, public and commercial buildings as well as innovative public spaces around the globe. The duo, who are married, are best known for their surprising, idiosyncratic, yet functional residential projects in dense urban environments.  They coined the term “pet architecture” to describe the odd but functional little buildings wedged into tiny sites around Tokyo.

“We are extremely excited that the founders of Atelier Bow-Wow will be bringing their unique architectural approach to Our Kaka‘ako,” said Christian O’Connor, Senior Asset Manager for Kamehameha Schools.  “Creating an engaging public space for Our Kaka‘ako will generate opportunities for people to collaborate and to continue to foster creativity within the community.”

Kaka‘ako Agora will be located in a 3,225-square foot warehouse on Cooke Street.  Atelier Bow-Wow will transform the vacant space into a free, publicly accessible, shaded community gathering spot. The build out will include a mezzanine level that will add 687-square feet to the space.  Kamehameha Schools and Interisland Terminal will work together to seek out creative partnerships that ensure the space is being utilized to its full potential.

“Through our relationship with Interisland Terminal, the Kaka’ako Agora project will able to show an alternative way to create a public space in an industrial area,” said Yoshiharu Tsukamoto, of Ateiler Bow-Wow. “Gradually, small visions and conversations are turning into real projects and real buildings. It is also exciting that this is an opportunity to take traditional architectural work in a whole new direction.”

Atelier Bow-Wow will be working with several local organizations to help execute its vision including Collab Studios, Sunworks Construction, Heavy Metal Hawaii, and the University of Hawaii School of Architecture.  Kaka‘ako Agora is scheduled to be completed in early June.

The HCDA hearing for this project will be on February 5.

For more information on Kaka‘ako Agora, visit ourkakaako.com/kakaakoagora.