VARNEY CIRCLE DESIGN TANK REPORT
Prepared by: University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center 2020 | Summer DRAFT
Contents 05
68
Introduction
Presentations
06 08 10 12 14 16
What is a Design Tank? UHCDC Diagram Virtual Engagement and Design UH Mānoa Campus Campus Framework Varney Circle and Fountain
18 Campus Engagement 20 26 46
Design Review Panel Questionnaire Responses Varney Circle Survey Varney Circle Whiteboard
56 2-Day Design Tank 58 60 62 64 65 66 67
Schedule Design Teams Design Review Panel Design Criteria Project Boundaries Design Outcomes References
70 110 -160
Varney Square Campus Compass Hoʻopili A Cultivated Core
208 210 212 214 222
Design Tank Frameworks Design Elements Design Review Panel Feedback Design Review Panel Commentary Bibliography
223 Appendix 225 228 234 240
A: Other Correspondence B: Our Campus Website C: Survey D: What should this campus focal point symbolize? (all responses)
Acknowledgements
This project was made possible by the University of Hawaiʻi Office of Project Delivery
UHCDC Team
Nelson A. Lee PMP Director, UH Office of Project Delivery
Mark Lombawa Research Associate, UHCDC
UH Mānoa Campus Framework team
Cathi Ho Schar AIA LEED A-P UHCDC Director and Assistant Professor, SoA Rebecca Ogi Denzer Research Associate, UHCDC
Dustin Chang Student assistant, UHCDC Moises Lio Can Student assistant, UHCDC
Daniel Friedman Ph.D. FAIA Professor & Campus Architect
Poya Harirchi PhD candidate, DURP
Nate Goore Co-founder & Partner, MKThink
Kialoa Mossman MURP student, DURP
Mahalo to Russell Y.J. Chung FASLA EVP PBR Hawai’i Nicole Swanson Landscape Designer, PBR Hawai’i Barbara Sannino Shidler AIA Architectural Historian, Mason Architects Caroline Raftery Architectural Historian, Mason Architecture Kelsy M.Y. Jorgensen Author, E Hoʻi Ka Uʻi
Introduction About Varney Circle
The replacement of Snyder Hall on McCarthy Mall is among several significant projects of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Long Range Development Plan, which the Board of Regents approved last September. In place of the current Snyder Hall, on the same site, the university contemplates a new, sustainable, high-performance, multi-purpose building. Plans for this new facility create a unique opportunity to revisit the cultural and aesthetic significance of the surrounding landscape and open space, in particular Varney Circle and Fountain, in alignment with the UH Mānoa Campus Framework. Varney Circle and Fountain honor the memory of revered Normal School teacher Ada Susan Varney. The fountain, completed in 1932, is the work of Cornelia McIntyre Foley and Henry H. Remple. Varney Circle serves as a symbolic hub connecting the original UH Mānoa quad with McCarthy Mall, Campus Center, Hawaiʻi Hall, Fine Arts, and the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center. In concert with the UH Mānoa Campus Framework team and the UH Office of Project Delivery, the University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center (UHCDC) agreed to organize a focused, proof-of-concept “Design Tank” to help explore the full potential of Varney Circle as a campus focal point. Over the course of this two-day charrette, Design Tank participants—landscape architects, architects, urbanists, and built environment students—will explore new ideas, concepts, cultural connectedness, and images that help envision the future of this historically significant and geographically central site. In support of greater participation, UHCDC conducted a campus-wide survey, inviting students, staff, faculty, administrators, alumni, and visitors to contribute both ideas and perspectives addressing Varney Circle. The results follow further below. Additionally, UHCDC developed an on-line engagement website to inform and involve participants in this discussion. The website includes information and links to historic records, cultural information, planning documents, relevant literature, maps, and photographs. A website “whiteboard” option allowed participants to illustrate their ideas graphically. Whiteboard responses can be viewed on the website at ourcampus.manoa.hawaii.edu. Finally, UHCDC invited eleven leaders representing diverse university stakeholders to serve as Ad Hoc Design Review panelists. Each panelist in turn answered a seven question survey to enrich our accumulation of feedback.
What is a Design Tank? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a “think-tank” is “a meeting or conference of experts to provide advice and ideas.” The goal of a think tank is to broaden discourse. In 2007, the OED added a new definition to its entry for the word “charrette,” which derives from architectural instruction in early nineteenth century France, at the Académie des Beaux-Arts. In contemporary parlance, a charrette is “a collaborative workshop focusing on a particular problem . . . ; a public meeting or conference devoted to discussion of a proposed community building project.” The goal of a charrette is to focus consensus. A “design tank” hybridizes the best properties of these two models. UHCDC developed this public-sector process to concentrate professional expertise on a specific spatial and formal problem, guided by diverse stakeholder input and pertinent data, with the express aim of generating conceptual frameworks and alternative design scenarios consistent with agreed-upon criteria and guiding principles. The goal of a design tank is design discourse—embracing informed alternatives, expanding vision, deepening stakeholder sensitivity to the interdependency of composition, performance, perception, and value.
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Think Tank
Design Charette
Hybrid ‘Design Tank’ Model
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Design Tank Process
8
01
02
03
Create a Public Platform
Engage the Community
Establish a Working Group
“Our Campus” website was developed to provide easy access to relevant information and engagement tools.
A Varney Circle Survey was distributed campus wide.
Student, faculty, and administrative leaders were invited to participate in an Ad Hoc Design Review Panel.
Varney Circle Design Tank
04
05
06
Conceptualize Design Solutions
Review and Discuss
Share with the Community
Four design teams spent two days to produce communityengaged design proposals.
Design teams and Design Review Panelists gathered to explore the boundaries of the project.
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Virtual Engagement and Design Our Campus Website An interactive website was developed to support engagement during a time of social distancing. The site offered information, resources, contact information and access to a survey and whiteboard.
2,100
visitors to the site
Survey 536 Students 434 Faculty and Staff 16 Administrators 82 Alumni 26 Visitors/Other
1,094
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Varney Circle Design Tank
total respondents
Whiteboard An idea-posting page allowed participants to share additional ideas and visions using written descriptions and images. Ideas could be voted for by any user by clicking the heart icon.
187 Whiteboard visitors 42 Posted ideas
Design Tank A static webpage was used to coordinate information and resources for Design Tank participants to allow for group work to occur remotely.
12 Design Team Members 11 Design Review Panelists 6 Organizers
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Varney Circle Design Tank
UH Mānoa Campus The University of Hawaiʻi began as a College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts in 1907 with the first permanent building constructed in 1912 on 22 acres of farmland at the mouth of Mānoa Valley. Consequently, this next five-year planning period is an important one for visioning and appropriate recognitions of the unique heritage resources of the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa campus. Uniquely situated between East and West, the campus of the University of Hawaiʻi reflects the diverse ethnic communities in the islands in its public art works, flora, and historic buildings. The campus landscape likewise is comprised of a diverse collection of botanic specimens, memorial and exceptional trees, and historic designed landscapes. The first campus plan was a version of a Beaux Arts scheme that centered on the historic Quadrangle, located just off the principal access road into the valley. The core buildings including Hawaiʻi Hall (1912), Gartley Hall (1922), and George Hall (1925), Dean Hall (1929) and Crawford Hall (1938) still remain today. These buildings form one of the most important assemblages of early 20th-century Neoclassical Style buildings in the Pacific islands . . . The campus also contains an exceptional collection of botanic resources . . . This living collection includes seven registered exceptional trees and 36 memorial tree plantings. Exceptional trees are designated by the City and County of Honolulu Arborist Committee as worthy of preservation by reason of age, aesthetic quality, endemic status or historical and cultural significance. In addition to the unparalleled botanic collection, the campus grew to include several important designed landscapes, including an ornamental palm garden forming the edge for the Andrews Outdoor Theatre,
the nearby Krauss Hall Courtyard pond garden, both excellent examples of early to mid-20th century garden design by Richard Tongg, considered to be the first Chinese-American landscape architect. In 1963 Japanese landscape architect Kenzo Ogata created the Japanese Garden in the East-West Center Complex. This garden is considered to be among the 25 most significant Japanese gardens in America. In addition, there are the Hawaiian Studies Native Gardens including the Kānewai garden, illustrating the traditional method of planting taro in a terraced water garden or lo‘i. There are no designed landscapes on the campus nominated to the Hawaiʻi Register of Historic Places. There are seven recognized exceptional trees. The exceptional trees are protected by a County-wide ordinance . . . State law requires that native Hawaiian plants be included in all new landscapes designed for all state owned buildings; these plants may be either botanic natives, endemic or indigenous, or plants brought by the pioneer Polynesian settlers. There is also a Tree Canopy Protection Plan adopted by the University as part of the 2007 LRDP to maintain the tree canopy coverage of the campus as well as the botanic diversity.
From “Chapter 1: Introduction,” University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Campus Heritage Report (2008). Image credit: Thomason Takata.
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UH Campus UHMānoa Mānoa Campus Framework
Framework
The University is committed to growing its capacity as a producer of well-rounded, thoughtful citizens, as a leading research institution, and as a dependable provider of skilled and competent professionals into the regional workforce. To further the institution’s goals, the university is utilizing a framework, rooted in core cultural values and data, to create an environment that reflects the community and adapts to changing conditions. The Framework serves as the foundation for subsequent work on the Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) and Plan Review Use (PRU). The LRDP will focus on generating nearer term, tactical projects that are consistent with the Framework and will reflect the highest and best use of funds in service of the university’s goals and objectives and will serve as the basis for capital project budgeting. Periodic updates should be conducted, should changes in underlying conditions occur and specifics of projects described in the LRDP require refinement as a result. The Framework provides the context to ensure the LRDP projects align with and execute the University’s broader priorities.
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Guiding Principles The following Guiding Principles help us to express our Core Values, and serve as a framework for the design of Mānoa’s physical campus environments: Promote world-class instruction & scholarship – Contribute to the advancement of human knowledge and help our communities to solve the complex and interconnected challenges facing their futures. Develop the whole student – Provide spaces that are physically, mentally and emotionally safe on a daily basis and in times of need. Retention and enrollment growth are reflective of how well we take care of our students. teward our natural environment – Optimize S existing resources and assets by using what we have as efficiently as possible, and utilize sustainable design principles to minimize environmental footprint when we do need to build new. Foster inclusivity & connectivity – Provide access for campus community members to housing, transit by all types of mobility, and digital technologies.
Cultivate collaboration – Promote interaction, cross-disciplinary learning and meaningful work so that folks can work together to create the best futures for Mānoa, Hawai‘i, and the world. Leverage unique attributes of place – Honor indigenous ancestral knowledge systems. Care for and learn from Native Hawaiians and their knowledge systems, which provide lessons on how to care for each other and our natural world in our specific regions of Mānoa and larger Hawai‘i. Ensure financial viability – Demonstrate fiscal responsibility and a robust financial plan to make smart decisions which maximize our ability to do more with less. Ensure that capital is deployed efficiently to achieve the mission of the university.
From UH Mānoa Campus Framework for the Future (2019), https://www.manoaframeworkfuture.info
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Varney Circle and Fountain Built in 1934, Varney Circle and Fountain demarcate the visual center of the campus as the crossroads between the east/west and north/south spines (Kamins 1998: 31). Varney Circle serves primarily as an organizational node, linking and transitioning between major facilities, pedestrian and vehicle routes on campus. Varney Circle and Fountain are significant under Criterion C, landscape architectural design, for their relationship to several historic buildings and landscape spaces as well as the central organizing element for pedestrian circulation. Narrative Statement of the Setting and Landscape To the west of the site is Hawai‘i Hall, to the north is Queen Lili‘uokalani Center for Student Services, to the east is McCarthy Mall, and to the South is Miller Hall. The approximate radius of the space is 50-feet meaning the overall circle is 7,850 square feet. The surrounding topography is nearly level. The ground plan of the space is a traffic circle planted with a manicured lawn with a 36-foot diameter circular fountain in the center and a raised curb at the other edge. The boundary of the overall space is visually defined by the facades of the aforementioned surrounding facilities. The overall feeling of the space is an open public landmark serving as an organizational and circulation node. The quality of the circular space is non-directional.The space is a void punctuated with the solid form of the fountain, occupying the very center. The primary circulation in the space is around the traffic circle. Varney Circle provides an organizational axis aligning the Engineering Quad, Miller Hall with Hawai‘i Hall and McCarthy Mall. The central fountain is supported by a wall with a pattern of Hawaiian figures created out of cast stone and repeated eight times. The fountain artwork was designed by art instructor Henry H. Rempel and Cornelia McIntyre Foley (Kobayashi 1983: 57). The major materials in the space are lawn, stone of the fountain, and hardscape concrete walkways and asphalt roads. The absence of overhead cover makes the space bright and open to the sky. From “Varney Circle and Fountain,” University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Campus Heritage Report (2008). Image credit: Thomason Takata.
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Campus Engagement
The campus community shared opportunities, challenges, and concerns through multiple means of engagement through the Our Campus engagement platform.
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Design Review Panel Questionnaire Responses How does the current Varney Circle area impact or interact with your current constituents? “Yes. Most students, faculty and administrators cross paths w/ Varney Circle in a week, if not every day.” “It’s not very pedestrian friendly. The fountain doesn’t work and the irrigation is awful. It really needs help and is a great opportunity to create a central gather place or plaza.” “Great number of our offices are in the immediate area of VC, and I walk through the circle almost daily.” It’s one of the visual centers of our campus.” “Grad students spend a lot of time on campus—working, attending classes, studying, and socializing. Some live in campus housing. Many students pass through Varney Circle when traversing upper campus. The QLCSS building is also a hub of student services that grad students use—the registrar’s office, financial aid, parking, Kokua, CSDC, the Women’s Center, etc. It’s a hub for commuters as well—the Rainbow Shuttle is located here. Varney Circle is also a spot for community activism and outreach (for example, Pau Violence uses it every year).”
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Varney Circle Design Tank
“It works as a point of reference when giving directions.” “It is really an obstacle more than a usable site.” “We live in QLC so Varney Circle/ Fountain is our anchor. It is the central point for way finding to our building and the campus. Sadly, honestly, the circle is currently simply a parking area for guests. We need to make it so much more. We need to refresh it and revitalize it!” “Our students, faculty and staff do not necessarily interact with it as much as they see it/look at it when they are on upper campus either walking, driving or on the shuttle. The space is occasionally used to display signs for events advertising or for political expression (which is an important function of the space I believe).” How could a future Varney Circle and Fountain improve the experience of your constituent group? “Anything that makes the campus look less neglected will improve morale overall. We underestimate how what is not cared for affects us.” “Decrease maintenance and create a
landscape we could be proud of”
point of the campus.”
“I could make a statement about the past and future of the entire UH Mānoa Experience.”
“Varney Circle is there, you cannot miss it. Unless you do some research, you have very little understanding of who made it and why; who is Varney (assuming it is a reference to a person, I don’t even know); what was the rationale that the artist felt justified their use of a Hawaiian motif. Do we understand the meaning associated with that ki‘i? It looks like Kū but could be Lono with the presence of water—I do not know but isn’t that the point? At an extreme end, Varney circle is a colonial artifact that the UHM still clings to with very little understanding (which is a privilege) to the use of the Hawaiian imagery and very little responsibility to make sure that the UH community understands it in this spatial context.”
“It would showcase Hawaiʻi Hall and the circle area better and more powerfully.” “Pedestrian safety could be improved. Moped drivers often cut through on the sidewalk to/from Varney Circle and the parking lot behind Campus Center, which poses a hazard to pedestrians. And some car drivers go too fast. If the Rainbow Shuttle hub is to remain, a shaded/shelter area for people waiting for the shuttles would improve student experiences at Varney Circle.” “I am currently working on an audio described version of the campus map for blind and visually impaired users through a mobile app developed by my project. A visually appealing Varney Circle will improve our current version as a major reference point of interest.” “Any ʻlife’ that can be breathed back into the piece would be lovely. I can see no longer using it as a water feature, but can we plant plants that can cascade from it, recreating the flow of water? It is so non-descript right now—no one stops to notice its details, historical significance, and beauty. It can be a show stopper as the central
What are key considerations you would recommend to designers tasked with envisioning Varney Circle and Fountain as a pedestrian centerpiece? “Well, sadly, money is a consideration. Sustainability in terms of upkeep. It has been refreshed before and then neglected again.” “Add trees thoughtfully to create shade highlighting new technology
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and enhance the experience for our campus community and visitors.” “The current design has no place for someone to sit and enjoy the fountain; it is just seen as a place to walk through, not to stop and enjoy. I see people walking around it all day and never stop to really look at it and appreciate it.” “Removal of cars; repair of fountain so it works; brightening of landscaping more.” “Accessibility—ADA-compliant pathways. If the space is still shared with vehicles, putting crosswalks in high-traffic areas, while also meeting the convenience of pedestrians— the crosswalk between the QLCSS and Webster Hall is not in the most convenient spot, so many pedestrians don’t use it when they traverse Varney Circle. Beyond practical/safety considerations, as a centerpiece of campus, Make it accessible for people who use wheelchairs or have challenges walking. From the perspective of the Office of Strategic Development and Partnership (OSDP); maintaining its historic and/or cultural importance to Mānoa while updating/transforming
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Varney Circle Design Tank
the area to engage and attract UHM students, faculty, workforce, visitors and the general public and to generate revenues where appropriate.” “Respect for the original design.” “No water (too much maintenance and not sustainable) but beautiful landscaping. It should be a noted feature of campus like McCarthy Mall or Hawaii Hall. Folks should want to take photos in front of it.” “The turnabout and fountain are standalone pieces that seem to not be linked to anything else except for the parking lot. The interface between the circle and the mall to Hawaiʻi Hall to Liliʻuokalani building is completely missing. There is an opportunity to link the mall (at a minimum) and the entryway to the circle through physical treatments.” What kind of interactions and activities should define Varney Circle as a public space? “I love the makeshift memorials that get erected there like flags representing so victims of domestic violence in the state, that kind of thing. Some seating would be nice, but maybe impractical.” “A place to gather and meet that provides a cool respite for pedestrians.”
“The walking paths need to be rethought, and a place to sit and enjoy, when the fountain is working needs to be incorporated into the final concept.” “It should be people centered and a place of gathering and point of intersection.” “Service—students first. Varney Circle and the QLCSS go hand-in-hand. Ease of access to the space and to services at/near the space should be paramount. It should reflect aloha and unity of the campus community.” “Plan outdoor activities starting with student orientation (once the COVID restrictions are opened), once a month music, maybe art shows, etc.” “Seating. Pathways.” “It could be defined as a public space, interactions could/should reinforce respect for Hawaiian knowledge (if you are going to use the Hawaiian imagery), sustainability, political and intellectual access, value all modes of inquiry, emphasize the value of water to our daily lives. Trying to resolve the vehicular nature of the circle with activities will be a challenge, however.”
What special physical features, environments, landscape interventions, and outdoor amenities would you prioritize for a new Varney Circle and Fountain? “Seating. I would prefer it be a water feature b/c I think that is calming and cooling, but if not sustainable, plants, something living.” “Water, native pōhaku, canoe plants, indigenous and endemic plants, navigational tools tied into indigenous wayfinding. So much is possible and this is really exciting!” “If the fountain is not going to have a fountain going up into the sky, than gardens of flowers of Hawaiʻi, a sitting area or even an explanation of its history would be helpful. The circle needs to come alive, it seem partially dead now.” “Places to sit, talk, gather, in a beautiful landscaped setting.” “Better placement of crosswalks. ADA-compliant pathways. Pathways that don’t flood or get slippery during rain. Shaded/shelter area for Rainbow Shuttle users. Benches and/or tables by the fountain. Right now, the fountain is set apart—you can’t interact with it. Ferns/local greenery. Maybe a bicycle rack and/or bike-share station.”
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“Reduce the traffic flow, add benches for sitting, make it the entrance to the Quad.” “An idea—imagine if we could walk through, under or over the fountain.” What kind of message should Varney Circle broadcast to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and campus visitors? “Pride in place, especially Hawaiian place of learning. Who was Varney anyway?” “We are an accredited arboretum who’s mission highlights diversity of plants similar to the diversity of our community at the same time paying homage to our indigenous people and their culture. I would like to see how we could develop a Hawaiian sense of place that can carry through the rest of our campus to bring continuity to all the different building designs on campus.” “It should be enough to cause people to stop and look, and get drawn into wanting to get closer. Does not happen now.” “Visual and spatial anchor of center of campus; connection to Mānoa Valley.” “UHM is a Hawaiian place of learning,
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Varney Circle Design Tank
in tune with its history and kuleana to its local community.” “Center of UH-Mānoa.” “I also think it would be a fine navigator’s compass.” “A central piko that centers and grounds people to the campus. A significant part of way finding.” “That UHM is a 21st century campus that among other things embraces and respects Hawaiian people, their knowledge, and their presence on the campus should the Hawaiian motif continue to be used as a part of the fountain. What influence will the COVID-19 pandemic have on our collective vision for shared campus life in general, and Varney Circle and Fountain plaza in particular? “Excellent question. I need to think about this one. We have always needed more gathering places, now we need places that people can come together while maintaining separation. How to do that in a way that feels comfortable is an interesting design problem. I think the issue of what is seen and unseen as threat will be with us for a long time to come.”
“Only as much as we let it! We need to believe that our constituency is intelligent and that they are ready to take personal responsibility for themselves and be respectful of others. The aloha spirit is still alive and well in Hawaiʻi!” We are as a learning institution, a gathering spot for the sharing and generating of new ideas. We will survive this pandemic, and there might be others to come, for the hope and vision as a place for people to learn from each other must not be laid aside.”
normal, there will always be campus life. Central points for way finding, beautiful spots that define the campus, historical pieces, will always have a place on a college campus.” “COVID-19 lays bare the structural inequalities that fall along infrastructure, socio-economic and health disparities among other indicators. An immediate impact of COVID is the absence of people on campus so it begs the question, how we support a shared campus life in the near future if the campus is a virtual experience?”
“Gathering places in general are affected. People may not spend as much time on campus, and people may not want to linger or gather in public areas. If there are seating areas, we need to think about cleaning/ sanitizing.” “It’s outside and provides enough room for people to distance themselves. Possibly incorporate built in design features for people to self assign the distance such as alternating colored tiles.” “Not known” “None! While we may not be on campus in large numbers right now, we will again soon. Even if we are in a new
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Varney Circle Survey The Varney Circle Survey aims to gather input from the university community so that decisionmakers can better understand stakeholder perceptions. Survey questions address the value and meaning of site, as well as its current use, attitudes, and assumptions about the Fountain and surrounding area, and the range of opportunities for an improved campus experience. The survey data represents responses from 1,094 participants gathered over two weeks. Team members from the School of Architecture and the Department of Urban and Regional Planning helped to compile and process the data.
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What is your affiliation at UH Mānoa?
Visitor (no affiliation) 0.2% Did not answer Other 1.0% 1.2%
Executive Management 1.5% TA/GA/RA/post-doc 2.2% Part-time or visiting faculty (instructor, lecturer, etc.)… Alumni 7.5%
Undergraduate student 32.2% Graduate student 14.6%
Staff/APT 17.0%
Undergraduate student Full-time non-tenure/TT/T Faculty (I, S, R) Staff/APT Graduate student Alumni Part-time or visiting faculty (instructor, lecturer, etc.) TA/GA/RA/post-doc Executive Management Other Visitor (no affiliation)
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Full-time non-tenure/TT/T Faculty (I, S, R) 20.3%
What is your affiliation t
How frequently do you pass by Varney Circle and Fountain? Select one. How frequently do you pass by Varney Circle and Fountain? Did not answer 0.4%
Never been to Varney Circle and Fountain 1.6%
Rarely 11.3%
Monthly 10.5% Daily 43.8%
Weekly 32.4%
Daily Weekly Monthly Rarely Never been to Varney Circle and Fountain Did not answer
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What time of day do you typically pass by Varney Circle and Fountain? Check all that apply. What time of day do you typically pass by Varney Circle and Fountain? Did not answer 1.6%
Evening 12.9%
Morning 37.5%
Afternoon 48.1%
Morning Afternoon Evening Did not answer
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Varney Circle Design Tank
I usually pass by Varney Circle using the following mode(s) of transportation. Check all that apply. I usually pass by Varney Circle using the following mode(s) of transportation Riding my motor scooter or moped 1.7% Riding my skateboard or nonmotorized scooter 3.1%
Riding my Did not answer motorcycle 1.0% 1.1% Other 4.2%
Riding my bicycle 5.7%
Driving my vehicle 17.9% Walking, jogging, running 65.3%
Walking, jogging, running Driving my vehicle Riding my bicycle Riding my skateboard or non-motorized scooter Riding my motor scooter or moped Riding my motorcycle Other Did not answer
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Under what circumstances do you typically visit or pass by Varney Circle and Fountain?
Under what circumstance do you typically visit or pass by V
Visiting QLC or Hawai'i Hall 14.2%
Waiting for the campus shuttle 8.2%
Parking my vehicle 4.3% Meeting with friend/coworkers 3.5% Did not answer 1.5%
Other 10.9%
Walking to or from campus activities or meetings 57.3%
Walking to or from campus activities or meetings Waiting for the campus shuttle Meeting with friend/coworkers Going to/from campus buildings Working at adjacent buildings Recreation Going to/from parking Other
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Visiting QLC or Hawai'i Hall Parking my vehicle Did not answer Numerous Getting food Pick up/drop off Driving through None/NA
sit or pass by Varney Circle and Fountain?
friend/coworkers .5%
Getting food 1.4%
wer
Pick up/drop off 0.4% Going to/from parking 0.4%
Recreation 0.9%
Working at adjacent buildings 1.4%
Numerous 1.4%
Driving through 0.3% Other 0.5% None/NA 0.6%
Going to/from campus buildings 3.7%
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Which of the following options would you most support for Varney Circle and Campus Road (ADA & emergency vehicle areas will be accommodated in most all options) wing options would you support for Varney Circle and Campus Road?(ADA & emergency vehicle access will be acco options)
Only allow pedestrians, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, mopeds, and motor scooters (no motorcycles, cars, or trucks) 14.4%
Did not answer 1.9%
Maintain shared roadway by all, but remove parking to provide wider pedestrian and bike lanes 17.7%
Maintain shared roadway by all, keep as is. 41.1%
Only allow pedestrians and nonmotorized wheeled vehicles 24.8%
Maintain shared roadway by all, keep as is. Only allow pedestrians and non-motorized wheeled vehicles Maintain shared roadway by all, but remove parking to provide wider pedestrian and bike lanes Only allow pedestrians, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, mopeds, and motor scooters (no motorcycles, cars, or trucks) Did not answer
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Varney Circle Design Tank
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Of the following amenities, which would most improve your pedestrian experience around Varney Circle? Select three.
Of the following amenities, which would most improve your pedest
Water feature 10.0%
Improved connectivity to surrounding buildings 8.7%
Shade structure 6.9% Improved lighting 5.9%
Out perf
Designated bike lanes 3.9% Improved signage 3.7%
Out
Did not answer 0.4% Increased outdoor seating 13.0%
Other 2.6%
Native pl lands
Improved landscape 15.9%
Wider sidewalks/walking areas 13.5%
Shade trees 15.6%
Improved landscape Water feature Designated bike lanes Improved pedestrian amenities Outdoor seating Food trucks
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Shade trees Improved connectivity to surrounding buildings Improved signage Leave as is Outdoor gathering & performance space Other
Wider side Shade stru Did not an Parking Improved v None/NA
your pedestrian experience around Varney Circle? Improved vehicular amenities 0.1%
Native Hawaiian symbology 0.1%
Outdoor gathering & performance space…
e lanes
d signage 7%
Food trucks 0.1%
Outdoor seating 0.1%
Other 0.4%
nswer %
dings
Native Hawaiian plants/ landscaping…
None/NA 0.2%
Parking 0.2%
Upgrading the fountain 0.5% Leave as is 0.3% Improved pedestrian amenities 0.4%
Wider sidewalks/walking areas Shade structure Did not answer Parking Improved vehicular amenities None/NA
Increased outdoor seating Improved lighting Upgrading the fountain Native Hawaiian plants/ landscaping Native Hawaiian symbology
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If the university closed Campus Road to traffic and parking (except for emergency vehicles, accessibility, and deliveries) what kind of activities would you envision for the Varney circle If the university closed Campus Road to traffic and parking (except for emergency vehicles, intersection? Select all that apply. envision for the Varney Circle interse
Large gatherings (assembly, student events, fairs, memorials, celebrations) 12.4%
Meeting point 14.2%
N Picture taking 8.8% Learning 6.3% Wayfinding 5.5%
F speech/p 0 Did not answer 0.6% Other 1.4%
Rest and relaxation 16.2%
Foo truck/far market/r
Sitting and talking 17.5%
Outdo Small gatherings (tour groups, study groups, outdoor meeting space) 17.1%
Sitting and talking Rest and relaxation Large gatherings (assembly, student events, fairs, memorials, celebrations) Learning Did not answer Eating/sitting Food truck/farmer's market/retail
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Varney Circle Design Tank
for emergency vehicles, accessibility, and deliveries) what kind of activities would you the Varney Circle intersection?
ng
Native Hawaiian cultural activities 0.0% Free speech/protest/rally 0.1% Did not answer 0.6% Other 1.4%
Other 0.3% None/NA 0.3%
Food truck/farmer's market/retail… Does not support 0.4%
g Outdoor recreation 0.1% Eating/sitting 0.1%
Small gatherings (tour groups, study groups, outdoor meeting space) Meeting point Picture taking Wayfinding Does not support Outdoor recreation Free speech/protest/rally
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Do you agree or disagree that sharing sidewalks with both two and four-wheeled modes of transportation (skateboards, bikes, motor Do you agree or disagree that sharing both two andafour-wheeled scooters, golfsidewalks carts) with represents risk to modes of transportation (skateboards, bikes, motor scooters, golf carts) represents a risk to pedestrians? pedestrians? Did not answer 0.4% Strongly disagree 6.9% Somewhat disagree 9.2% Strongly agree 32.7% Neither agree nor disagree 11.9%
Somewhat agree 38.9%
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Neither agree nor disagree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Did not answer
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Overall how much do you value Varney Circle and Fountain? Overall how much do you value Varney Circle and Fountain? Did not answer 0.9%
Do not value 13.4%
Strongly value 34.8%
Somewhat value 50.8%
Strongly value Somewhat value Do not value Did not answer
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Did you know how Varney Circle got its name?
Did you know how Varney Circle got its name? Did not answer 0.7%
Yes 28.4%
No 70.8%
Yes No Did not answer
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Which of the following best describes your attitude toward Varney Circle and Fountain? Choose up to three that apply. Which of the following best describes your attitude toward Varney Circle and Fountain? Did not answer 0.4%
I like using it as a meeting point 6.9%
It's an eyesore 5.2%
I don't pay much attention to it 10.6% I would like to see the fountain replaced by something more relevant 12.0%
I wonder why the fountain isn't working 28.1%
I would like to see the fountain restored and reactivated 23.9%
I respect its historical significance 12.9%
I wonder why the fountain isn't working I would like to see the fountain restored and reactivated I respect its historical significance I would like to see the fountain replaced by something more relevant I don't pay much attention to it I like using it as a meeting point It's an eyesore Did not answer
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What should this campus focal point symbolize?
Diversity/inclusion 3.5%
Hawaiian place of learning Leisure Native ecosystem 3.0% 2.6% 3.1%
Unity 3.8% Sense of Place 4.1%
Acknowledgements/ Legacy 2.3% Campus Connectivity 2.3% Beauty 2.0% None/NA 2.0%
Education/knowledge 4.1%
Other 5.2% More Answers 21.1%
Center/piko 5.6%
UH history/values 8.5%
Community/gathering 11.5%
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Hawaiian culture, history, and values 15.5%
Peace 1.4% Sustainability 1.4%
Water 1.4%
Safe space 1.3%
Does not support 1.2%
Global influence 1.1%
Pride 1.5%
Natural environment 1.6%
Utility 0.9% Accessibility 0.7% Art 0.7%
Welcoming 1.7% Multi-ethnic Protest/rally/free culture and speech values Iconic/landmark 1.9% 1.9% 1.9%
Equality 0.7%
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Varney Circle Whiteboard Our “whiteboard” offered the community an opportunity to share its ideas through written and visual description. The website encouraged participants to “like” other users’ responses. Varney Circle Whiteboard accumulated 42 responses from a variety of UH Mānoa community members.
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Make it a pedestrian mall with shady places to sit, block all motorized traffic, add a corridor for bicycles and skateboards. Use paint for a customizable and vibrant pedestrian open space.
Grow edible/culturally significant native/ endemic plants; allow students living in dorm to “adopt” little plots to garden on their own. Add cover or shade to waking paths. “The strip of sidewalk along campus road and Varney Circle (near the WRC) is very exposed. It could use a structure to provide shade from the sun/protection from the rain. There is no rain shelter between QLC and Camps Center. It would be nice if it housed some casual study space as well (like that in Campus Center near Subway) The path is also quite crowded at certain hours and frequented by both pedestrians and cyclists/skateboarder, so it could benefit from being widened.”
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Create an overhead walkway. “It would look something like the picture attached where it would connect the all the buildings around to make traveling in between classes safe for students, faculty, and staff. There would be a opening in the middle so students can see the fountain up close. I have also drawn in tables and chairs for students to come and relax around the fountain and talk story.”
Create a social/gathering hub. “a place for outdoor events and people to just hangout and socialize with outdoor seating” Females: honor one of your own! Susan Varney taught here; one of the architects was female. Maintain the grounds, and restore the fountain. Retain parking, especially handicap and guest parking, as the campus currently does not have enough. “Save ADA access & parking, Fix or replace while maintaining the footprint.”
Create a gazebo a study area instead of fountain and grass. “Instead of fixing the fountain I would suggest turning the center circle into a covered area with seating/tables that could be used for study sessions/tours. The issue with making Varney Circle into a non-parking/pedestrian walking area is that parking is already so limited on campus. Unless another parking structure is built (like say behind Kennedy Theatre?) then taking away parking areas is not something that should be done. But making the circle (with pedestrian crossings to it) into something that could be utilized by more people would be something to consider.”
Create performance and speaker space. “The fountain (dedicated to Varney) could host a gazebo—a space for speakers/ lectures and performers (or study/eating when not in use). Work with music and performing arts to get input on “optimal/ useable” sized performance area (A quartet might not need much room, but what’re the next sizes up? Is “theater in the round” possible at certain sizes?). When the road is converted to a mall, it can be grassed/ groundcovered over for outdoor seating around the gazebo.” Plant native plants and honor Hawaiian history. “What are all of things we can commemorate besides or in addition to Varney? Can we also point to that history?”
Convert/expand fountain into native wetland garden to preserve this historic feature while creating a learning tool and conserving water. “Could also include plants of cultural/ horticultural significance i.e. Kalo” Make Varney Circle a food truck garden.
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I want to see a Pacific Islander monument. “Point blank the campus doesn’t have enough intentional Pasifika architecture/ monuments. The tiki motif on the fountain we’re created by haole folks. Tiki/ki’i or other names in the Pacific, embody the spirit of Gods and Demi gods. What are the ones on the fountain? Who do they represent? If the university prides itself as being a “”Hawaiian Place of Learning””, let’s see a monument that represents that we are in a Pacific island with creative, scholarly, and resilient Pacific communities, while also honoring the Hawaiian pioneers and land that we are learning on. Hire Pacific designers/carvers/tapa/kapa makers/ historians/healers/students of Native Hawaiian Student Services/students of Micronesia Connections/students of Pan Pacific Association/students of Fealofani o Samoa/ to bring this to fruition. Just because our student body is diverse doesn’t mean that we cant give reverance and acknowledgement to the Pacific past, present and future. After all, we’re in Hawaiʻi.”
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Install signs that point toward campus landmarks/bldgs (not cities). Add small benches to take a short break but not to gather for a long time.
Varney Circle should symbolize UH as the crossroads of the Pacific. “Since UH Mānoa is the flagship campus of the UH system and Hawaii being located at the intersection of the Pacific, it should represent the the meeting and gathering place of cultures and knowledge. Honor the history of the fountain by restoring it AND ensure that it’s water will also serve as irrigation to native Hawaiian plants around it. Fountain and native plants symbolically represent the islands where people meet. Put benches for people to sit. Create wayfinding signs and improve connectivity to different buildings. Splash some colorful paint on the walkways. Widen sidewalks for pedestrians and bicycles, and only allow emergency, UH shuttles, and handicap vehicles to park in limited areas here.”
Why not a simple piko (navel)? “Restore the fountain to its original, working condition. Repaint the two inner pools to be the same original blue color. Then simply have green grass in the outer circle. A simple, Zen-like navel. Make a bicycle lane and prohibit motorcycles, cars, and trucks. Place some benches with shade in areas outside of the circle and road, like the lawn of a building.”
Justify the repair of the fountain with hydroponics. “Cultivate native flora and fauna by converting the purely decorative fountain into a functional large-scale hydroponics set up.”
Either fix the fountain and make that fountain working again, or get that Warriors Statue from the ROTC at the Lower Campus & place it there. “Proposal 1: Make the fountain flowing with water again. Proposal 2: Get that Warriors Statue from the Lower Campus ROTC area & place it at Varney Circle. That Warriors Statue at Lower Campus ROTC area does represent our school mascot of The Rainbow Warriors. Make a tall nice looking pedestal & then place that Warriors Statue on top of that pedestal. For the pedestal, make sure to include the ROTC in there to give them credit, since after all it is their statue. Proposal 3: Create a different Warriors statue. UH Mānoa should have a symbol & what good symbol would be none other than a statue of UH Mānoa’s mascot: The Rainbow Warrior. Make that Warrior Statue iconic almost like that Tommy Trojan Statue from the USC campus.” This space needs shade. “Add shade trees around the parameter of Varney Circle, then add more seating for resting. Fix the existing sidewalk and add more visibility to crosswalks.”
The absence of flowing water at Varney Circle symbolizes that the University doesn’t work. Let the fountain flow!!! “With the fountain flowing, as fountains ought!, it will symbolize the flow of campus activity (classes, research, student development, etc.). It would represent an active continuation to the present and future of the initial activity in Mānoa, taro farming with Mānoa water.” Maintain student representation and services. “Flags for solidarity in veterans, visibility for trans lives, support domestic abuse survivors etc has been seen around VC. It’s a good place to show representation and equity policies upheld by campus, being a popular photo-op for advertising. Maintaining that aspect of respect and visibility would be an important aspect to keep in its redesign.”
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Remove the curb drops to deemphasize traffic and make the pedestrian experience easier. There is no reason for merely cosmetic improvements to fixtures on campus. “Restoring the functionality of the fountain in Varney Circle is a waste of water and not a sustainable change, unless the fountain can be adapted into a source of water for cultivating indigenous plants in this area as others have suggested. The parking offered by this area is invaluable to handicapped students/faculty/staff due to its central location on campus. Pedestrian safety can be improved by simply fixing the uneven and cracked pavement in the areas surrounding Varney Circle.” Restore fountain, make appealing to hang out. Make less dangerous for pedestrians. Possible food hub? “Restore the fountain and the grounds. Make it less dangerous to get to (pedestrian safety) and appealing to spend time in. Perhaps make it a food area hub during lunch, very good spot since many pass by.” Statue (or fountain) displaying a woman of color or a food truck park and speaker space. “A statue of a woman of color (so tired of the male presence everywhere on campus). Shaded area for demonstrations and gatherings, but artistic and non-stuffy. There is very little color or originality on campus. Let’s get art students involved. Perhaps a small food truck park with shaded seating and differing food/coffee options, but also with an artistic flair.”
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Campus—new colors, new social spaces “Move the fountain to lawn between Hawaii/ Dean/Crawford Halls. Close off Varsity Circle “road” south and east side. Fill road to connect and open up McCarthy Mall and area around Miller Hall. Combine ideas of others: paint open space” Increase walking space and shade; give the rest to students. “All it needs is a wider sidewalk and shade to hide from the sun and rain. Do minimal and allocate the money to something that students really need like their jobs” ‘Olelo Hawai‘i. All spaces and buildings on campus should be in Hawaiian language; based on Hawaiian values.” Shade parking. Add a shade structure over parking that can support solar panels. “
Keep the fountain where it is. Fix it. It is an iconic image on a campus filled with buildings. Old and new generations know where the fountain is. “Create a wide shade pergola with the top center open surrounding the working water fountain. Tables and chairs for a peaceful informal meeting place. Surround the circle with low shrub or fencing with just a few opening to the pathways to the neighboring buildings. Create walking paths from the surrounding buildings to represent diversity or pathways embedded with Hawaiian values, inspirational words or images. All paths lead to the fountain as the point of unity. Water is such an important aspect of life and life in Hawai’i. Incorporate the water fountain with Native Hawaiian plants. Keep the parking and the road but make better use of the road space. Create a bike, skateboarding, etc. path on the building sides with a wider circle.” Create a meeting point/sitting area to symbolize the heart of campus. “Add shade from trees and sitting areas and make it more pedestrian connected instead of an island. Good meeting place but needs to be less isolated and protected from sun. Either restore fountain or place a new relevant structure.”
Use the money for something else. “With COVID-19 cutting budgets across the system, we need to use the Varney Circle reconstruction money towards student needs. We do not need a new fountain. We do not need more sidewalks or walkways. Do we even have enough money to pay the staff in order to complete this project? What about the other facilities on campus that are in need of updates and reconstruction? I would highly advise the administration to look over their budget and allocate the money towards student services that are going to HELP the students: fixing existing buildings, attend to the back log of facility requests, etc. Do that first before starting a new project that will cost a pretty penny. Letʻs open our eyes and see that the money going towards this project needs to be put elsewhere. Preferably, towards helping our students get back on campus after a global pandemic.” Replace fountain and parking with loʻi. Turn Varney Circle into Stonehenge. “I believe Oahu needs a Stonehenge and the best place to put it would be UH. As long as it is astronomically correct.”
Improve and Increase parking capacity. “Remove the central area (except for the area immediately around the fountain) to provide increased area for parking and vehicles. UH does not need more pedestrian zones. The primary concern of students is the ability to commute to and across campus easily and efficiently. The continuing efforts to remove parking space have caused significant difficulties for students. Increasing the parking capacity at Varney Circle will help alleviate this problem and improve the transport situation for students.”
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Keep it as is and restore the fountain. “With all the other issues facing this campus, why are we discussing this issue at this time? Lack of instructional space and failing buildings come to mind. This project would be the last on my list.” Varney Circle + Miller Hall = Love “Fix up Varney Circle and spruce up adjacent Miller Hall. Miller Hall is a beautiful old building that just needs a bit of lipstick. Remove its rusty ACs and add fresh paint, UH flags, and small balconies to make this the UH center point. Sprinkle the area with shaded outdoor seating. Also remove confusing railings.” Turn the fountain into a bog garden if not repairing the fountain. Turn parking into EV charging area; allow for dual handicap/EV parking. There are no handicap accessible charging spots on UH Mānoa campus. Plant flags from all over the world representing current students and alumni with a fountain in the middle, and a Rainbow Warrior statue.
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Design a Japanese garden with two benches and a large water element at the center with a walkway around the water element. A bamboo trellis could provide shade for benches. Create a fountain of light. “Computer-programmed LED with random, non-repeating patterns (a biomimetic interpretation of water never assuming the same exact form twice).”
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Two-day Design Tank Using campus engagement outcomes framed by contemporary and historical resources, four teams comprised of a UH faculty designer and two student assistants developed and presented visions for a new Varney Circle plaza.
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Schedule Day 01 4:00 - 5:30 PM Welcome
Welcome
Introductions
Part One
Origins of project—Nelson A. Lee PMP, UH Office of Project Delivery
Team presentations
Context of the problem & Mānoa Campus Framework—Nate Goore, MKThink Landscape mini-masterplan—Russell Y.J. Chung FASLA, PBR Hawai’i Historic preservation perspective— Barbara Sannino Shidler AIA, Mason Architects Cultural perspective—Kelsy M.Y. Jorgensen, author, E Hoʻi Ka Uʻi Design Tank documents and resources Q&A
Day 02 Work day
Day 03 Work day
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Day 03 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Varney Circle Design Tank
Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Assistant Professor, School of Architecture Karla Sierralta AIA, Assistant Professor, School of Architecture Judith Stilgenbauer ASLA, Professor, MLA Program Director/Grad Chair, School of Architecture Phoebe White ASLA, Assistant Professor, School of Architecture
Part Two Design dialogue moderated by Nate Goore & Daniel Friedman Peter Arnade, Ph.D., Dean, College of Arts & Humanities Roxanne M. Adams, Director, UHM Buildings and Grounds Management Donovan Albano, President, UHM ASUH
Ronald E. Cambra, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Education William R. Chapman, Ph.D., Interim Dean, School of Architecture Lori M. Ideta, Ed.D., Interim Vice Chancellor for Students Thomas Conway, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, UHM Senate Executive Committee
Part Three Final thoughts and thanks Russell Y.J. Chung, FASLA, Executive Vice President. PBR Hawaiʻi Nelson A. Lee, PMP, Director, UH Office of Project Delivery
A. Konia Freitas, Ph.D., Chair, Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies Carleton Ching, Development Program Mgr., Office of Strat. Dev. & Partnership Maura Stephens-Chu, President, UHM GSO Laura Lyons, Ph.D., Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Comments by designers Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA Karla Sierralta AIA Judith Stilgenbauer ASLA Phoebe White ASLA
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Design Teams
01 Varney Square
Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA Assistant Professor, School of Architecture
Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguyen Jonathan Quach CTAHR, Molecular Biosciences D. Arch student and Bioengineering student
02 Campus Compass
Karla Sierralta AIA Assistant Professor, School of Architecture
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Rebekah Dalton B.Env.D student
Hunter Wells B.Env.D. student
03 Hoʻopili
Judith Stilgenbauer ASLA Professor, MLA Program Director & Graduate Chair, School of Architecture
Matthew Higa MLA student
Jonathan ‘Malu’ Stanich MLA student
04 Cultivated Core
Phoebe White ASLA Assistant Professor, School of Architecture
Keola Annino MLA & D.Arch student
Lynn Mayekawa MLA student
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Design Review Panel
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Roxanne M. Adams Director, UHM Buildings and Grounds Management
Donovan Albano President, UHM ASUH
Peter Arnade, PhD Dean, College of Arts, Language & Letters
Ronald E. Cambra, PhD Assistant Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Education
William R. Chapman, PhD Interim Dean, School of Architecture
Carleton Ching Development Program Manager, Office of Strategic Development & Partnership
Thomas Conway, PhD Professor and Chair, UHM Senate Executive Committee
A. Konia Freitas, PhD Chair, Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies
Lori M. Ideta, EdD Interim Vice Chancellor for Students
Laura Lyons, PhD Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs
Maura Stephens-Chu President, UHM GSO
Varney Circle Design Tank
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Design Criteria 1) Aligns with UHM Campus Framework Guiding Principles: •
Promote world-class instruction & scholarship – Contribute to the advancement of human knowledge and help our communities to solve the complex and interconnected challenges facing their futures.
•
Develop the whole student – Provide spaces that are physically, mentally and emotionally safe on a daily basis and in times of need. Retention and enrollment growth are reflective of how well we take care of our students.
•
Steward our natural environment – Optimize existing resources and assets by using what we have as efficiently as possible, and utilize sustainable design principles to minimize environmental footprint when we do need to build new.
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Foster inclusivity & connectivity – Provide access for campus community members to housing, transit by all types of mobility, and digital technologies.
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Cultivate collaboration – Promote interaction, cross-disciplinary learning and meaningful work so that folks can work together to create the best futures for Mānoa, Hawai‘i, and the world.
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Leverage unique attributes of place – Honor indigenous ancestral knowledge systems. Care for and learn from Native Hawaiians and their knowledge systems, which provide lessons on how to care for each other and our natural world in our specific regions of Mānoa and larger Hawai‘i.
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Ensure financial viability – Demonstrate fiscal responsibility and a robust financial plan to make smart decisions which maximize our ability to do more with less. Ensure that capital is deployed efficiently to achieve the mission of the university.
2) Interprets and integrates campus community engagement feed back. 3) Assumes compliance with all relevant access, loading, and emergency considerations will be resolved in design development if not fully resolved in this Design Tank.
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Project Boundaries Project extents are shown with a white dashed line. Red hatched areas indicate historic character defining features. Adapted from an internal report on the historic significance of Varney Circle prepared by Mason Architects (March 27, 2020), courtesy PBR Hawaiʻi.
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Design Outcomes Each team was asked to generate no less than two schematic alternatives that explore the full potential of the Varney Circle and Fountain and surrounding fabric, infrastructure, and landscape: • •
Alternative #1: incorporating established historic constraints of the site Alternative #2: interpreting established historic constraints of the site
Deliverables for each approach • • • • •
Framework (design criteria and/or guidelines based on campus community outreach, best practices, and design insights) Site Plan Site Renderings/Perspectives Relevant precedents Diagrams and other supporting figures or images as desired (the Office of Project Delivery seeks graphics that prioritize legibility and impact aimed at a broad public audience)
Presentation format Design teams will present design outcomes virtually, via Zoom, using the pecha-kucha format—20 slides, 20 seconds per slide, approximately six to seven minutes per presentation. Following presentations, UHCDC will moderate a discussion among designers and members of the ad hoc UHM Design Review Panel. This final presentation and discussion will run approximately 90 minutes. UHCDC’s recording of the proceedings is for internal use only and not for public distribution. Post-Design Tank, UHCDC will compile PDFs and document feedback for submission to the UH Office of Project Delivery within one week.
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Varney Circle Design Tank
References Campus Documents
•
1978 Short History of Mānoa Valley 1800-present 1978
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2019 UHM Mānoa Campus Framework for the Future
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2019 E Hoʻi Ka Uʻi
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2019 UHM Framework Mānoa Long Range Development Plan Update
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Mānoa Heritage Center Teacher Resource Packet
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2015 UHM Campus Arboretum Plan for the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
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Archaeological Monitoring Plan for the Bachman Hall Renovations Project
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2012 Ke Au Hou Native Hawaiian Advancement Task Force Report
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2008 UHM Campus Heritage Report
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2007 Long Range Development Plan Update
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University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa National Register of Historic Places Inventory
Cultural Resource Links •
Multilingual Multicultural Initiative
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ʻĀina Aloha Economic Futures
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Hawaiian Legends Index
•
Ulukau Hawaiian Electronic Library
UH Native Hawaiian Reports
Historic Maps
•
A Note to Varney Circle Design Tank Participants
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1882 Mānoa Valley
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UH NH Reports Genealogy
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1903 Pilipili Mānoa
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2016 Ka Hoʻokō Kuleana: Fulfilling Our Responsibility to Establish the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa as a Hawaiian Place of Learning. An Implementation Report for the Ke Au Hou Recommendations
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1909 Puahia Mānoa
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1916 Honolulu HPC
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1943 Honolulu COE
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1978 Honolulu Aerial
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Tax Map Lower East Mānoa
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Tax Map Lower West Mānoa
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UHM Online Campus Map
•
2016 Ka Hoʻokō Kuleana Action Plans
•
2012 Ke Au Hou Native Hawaiian Advancement Task Force Report
•
2012 Hawai‘i Papa O Ke Ao
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1986 Ka‘ū Report University of Hawaiʻi Hawaiian Studies Task Force Report
Historic Documents •
1983 Building a Rainbow A History of the Buildings and Grounds of the UHM Campus
Other material provided •
ourcampus.manoa.hawaii.edu
•
Varney Circle Survey Data
•
Campus topographic survey and Varney Circle site plan
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Presentations 01
Varney Square Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
02
Campus Compass Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
03
Hoʻopili Judith Stilgenbauer ASLA, Matthew Higa, Jonathan Stanich
04
A Cultivated Core Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
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Varney Square July 13, 2020
Team: Simon m. BuSSiere, aSSiSTanT ProfeSSor, School of archiTecTure JonaThan Quach, DocTor of archiTecTure STuDenT Thien Phuc ngoc nguyen, molecular BioScienceS anD Bioengineering STuDenT
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
VECTORS
ORBITS
The campus is predominantly a circulatory and connective landscape; lines projected from existing surrounding features are drawn accross the Varney Circle site to establish a visual and horizontal organizational structure. Where multiple vectors intersect, we see opportunities for increased activation, where they do not appear, we find opportunities for human-scaled spaces for social exchange and interaction. As with the Polynesian Stick Chart, these vectors connect individuals and unique points of registration within the broader context.
Varney Circle represents a nexus in the campus’ physical organization. Surrounding the orbit centerpoint, we can identify and draw lines representing a complex system of inter-looping trajectories, each on its own path while simultaniously coexisting with mulitple other pathways, jouneys and experiences. These lines are both literal and symbolic gestures illustrating the interconnected yet independant nature of individual campus users and of interscholastic and interdisciplinary academic realms.
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Varney Circle Design Tank
PUKAS
VARNEY SQUARE
Konane, the ancient Hawaiian game of strategy where multiple stones are moved around a rectangular board (papamu) filled with geometric pukas in order to advance, represents the campus, its players and the daily life they experience. The legible geometry of the site, just as the playing surface of the board, is reduced to a more comfortable human-scale environment through the insertion of pukas and game pieces at key locations.
As these layers are combined, it becomes clear that Varney Circle plays a critical role on the UHM campus as an historical and contemporary pedestrian centerpoint within a highly complex concatanation of interwoven yet independant forces and energies. This conceptual design stems from the notion that Varney Circle is at once a gateway, a gathering place and a nexus for campus life.
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
Hawai’i Hall
Warrior Recreation Center
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services
Miller Hall
Webster Hall
Art Building
The existing Varney Circle site is dominated by vehicular infrastructure; a large roundabout, parking and service access roads command the space, pedestrians are relegated to the periphery. Several complex forms compete here, the rectilinear grid of buildings, the circulinear fountain at the center, and various residual curvilinear, geomorphic, biomorphic pathways frame ornamental decorative planting beds. Largely underutalized lawns complete the composition of remaining surfaces. N
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
Crown Fountain -
Dilworth Plaza -
Open flexible splash pad and sculpture
Splash pad with imbedded circulation
garden
Monash Uni Campus Green Central feature, campus circulation and activity
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Schouwburgplein Open stage with paving treatments
Harvard Plaza & Tanner Fountain -
Miami Soundscape Park Palm clusters and shaded garden spaces
Flexible/adaptable campus spaces
Superkilen -
Lincoln Center -
Landform, art installations, mounds. paving patterns, interactive plaza
Paving patterns, historical fountain in the center echo its circular language
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
Promote Develop the Steward our world-class whole student natural instruction & environment scholarship
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Fos inclusiv connec
A Vibrant and Adaptable Campus Core -
Towards a New Campu
The Plaza is a contemporary multipurpose space that encourages greater campus use and “whole student development” with a variety of active and passive spaces. This space’s transformative nature can center around activities such as recreational sports, moveable seating areas, study and lounging spaces, student social events, farmer’s/night markets, career fairs, and outdoor movies. Enhancing student, faculty, staff, and visitor’s experience of UH Manoa, the expansive open-air Plaza creates a core cultural identity in the heart of the UH campus. The open stage creates new potential for future growth through various degrees of enclosure.
Shaded by stately koa a cooled by a contempora natural elements of Varn nounced decrease in tem glade of water along wit evokes an urban campu pavilions utilize trade br lation. Hence, providing and enables moments fo or private learning or wo extends the functions of encouraging activation a the adjacent enclosed b
Varney Circle Design Tank
ster vity & ctivity
From UH Manoa Campus Framework for the Future (2019)
Cultivate collaboration
Leverage Ensure financial unique viability attributes of place
us Nature -
Reflect and Cultivate our Shared Diversity -
and palm trees and ary water feature, the ney Plaza create a promperature. An expanded th coral and lava paving us beach. Occupiable reezes and natural ventig more shade for all users or exchange, interaction, orking space. The plaza f surrounding structures, and increased porosity of buildings.
The revitalization of the campus core promotes engagement and cross-disciplinary interactions, re-activates the surrounding buildings and channels the UHM community to the center of the V> «Õð 7i>Û } >ÌÕÀ> µÕ> Ì ià ëiV wV Ì Ì i > >] >Ü> ½ > ` Ƃà > *>V wV Ài} Ì Ì i campus core, the new Varney Plaza restores an emphasis on cultural diversity and inclusion as a core value and signature principle for the University. Pedestrian circulation and gathering is reinforced through a palette of materials, textures, and motifs stitching the old with new.
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
0’
11
16,000 ‘ 2 15
0’
Despite the inherited assortment of complex rigid forms, infrastructure and a surrounding undulating topography, the Varney Plaza site itself is relatively level and flat and nearly square. Compositionally, the site is ideal as a single open plaza.
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Varney Circle Design Tank
Solar studies taken at 9am, 12pm and 5pm reveal the intensity of the site’s exposure to the sun throughout the day.
9am
12 pm
5 pm
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
Varney Circle is not a space. And although it can be described as a node on campus, it really functions more as a cut-through, or as a complex corridor nexus. A hierarchy of pedestrian circulation patterns were studied at different times of the day, and despite the presence of the circle itself, which precludes a substantial amount of pedestrian movement accross the circle, there remains a steady amount of foot-traffic criss-crossing the space and hugging the periphery.
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Taking those existing dominant, secondary and tertiary patterns of movement, we can then discern a remaining available layer of the plaza surface. Where pedestrian footfall does not occur, we indicate potential spaces which will extend the funtions of nearby academic buildings. Each zone acts as a plaza-facing lanai for a designated structure, and collectively the zones act as a means of pulling internal or otherwise hidden activies out into the (semi) public realm. The zones further define a central cross-axis and frame several key physical markers of Varney Plaza.
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
Coral
As a relatively level terrace within a larger sloping landscape, Varney Plaza represents a liminal yet central moment between the ocean and the mountains, or mauka and makai. This flatness is capitalized and extended to the greatest degree possible in both schemes, generating a large single-level and open glade. Coral from makai and Lava from mauka are dovetailed together to create a unique surface pavement system.
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Lava
rth
No
W es
t
c ga
Le
all
yM
Mc
Ca
rth
yM
all
Ea
st
th
u So
Stick Chart
Konane
A critical cross-axis also occurs on site, effectively joining the north-south vector of the Legacy Mall, with the east-west vector of Mccarthy Mall. Inspired by Polynesian Navigation charts, additional registration lines are drawn across the site to indicate key connections, points of reference from built geometries and lines of sight as framed by existing building footprints and other important features. And inspired by the puka filled geometric surface of a Konane game board, the pavement system works with vectors and reduces the large size of the site to a more human-scale.
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
Existing pedestrian networks are mapped
Hawaii Hall
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Historic Palms
Academic and institutional functions are extended into the Square as unique front/center-facing lanais
Shaded Lanai
Open Glade
The existing fountain is restored per Mason Architect’s recommendations, Joseph Rock plantings are also preserved. New palms extend the Campus Arboretum into the Square.
Scheme #1
Restored Fountain
Flexible Shaded Seating Lanai
McCarthy Mall
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
Coral and Lava Stone Pavers Fountain Shade Structure Ka Mala Maluhia Hub Kaiāulu Hub
Queen Lili’uokalani Center
Hawaii Hall
ānuenue Hub
Miller Hall
Warrior Recreation Center
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Webster Hall McCarthy Mall
Ao pua’a Hub Lani Hub ‘Aina Hub Ho’omalumalu Hub
Art Building
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
Hubs of Expression The goal of this scheme is to extend the functions of the immediate buildings surrounding Varney Square. At the core the original fountain has been restored based on Mason Architects recommendations.
Active Lanais The lanais aim to extend the function of it’s surrounding schools. Color coded in colors, these lawns will activate formerly unused spaces. Shaded with trees, and canopy, students have a space to eat, study, and lounge.
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Delineating Space and Paths Using a view shed analysis, spaces were formed from key perspectives around Varney. Radiating color schemes for each hub brings dynamism and energy to Varney Square.
Flexible Open Space The square retains it’s flexibility by providing open space. Tents, markets, and club social events can be set up in the square. Canopy structures in the hubs create ample space and shade to study, eat and relax.
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
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Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
historic palm trees QLC lanais shaded lanai for seating and gathering
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shaded lanai for seating and gathering fully restored and extended historic fountain
pedestrian centric comfortable environment
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
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Kalo is a plant with broad and strong heart shape leaf structure that is central to the Native Hawaiian creation story. Kalo remains one of the most significant symbol that is interwoven in the lives of the Hawaiian people. The Hawaiians loved, honored, and cared for the Kalo for many generations. The cluster of shoots that surround the mother plant are called Ohana, or family. Taking inspiration from the shape and symbol of the Kalo, an abstract design was created to provide shade and protection as part of the revitalization process of Varney Square.
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
The Square is level, open, and a Konane inspired pavement system with coral and lava is introduced.
The cross-axis of McCarthy Mall and Legacy Mall anchors the pedestrian circulation network.
sections
Hawaii Hall
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Flexible Shaded Seating Lanai
Koa Bosque + Open Glade
A simple and elegant lens of water cools the Square, adding critical elements of nature, decreasing surface temperature and creating a playful focal point.
A bosque of stately Koa extend the Square’s connection to nature, shading the glade below and reinforcing the cardinal geometry of the campus figure-ground.
Scheme #2
Fountain and Splash Pad
Legacy Mall
McCarthy Mall
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
Koa Tree Splash Fountain Shade Structure Coral and Stone Pavers
Hawaii Hall
Queen Lili’uokalani Center
Miller Hall
Warrior Recreation Center
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Webster Hall McCarthy Mall
Art Building
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
A Forest and Field This option creates a open air plaza which encompasses long linear fountain. Accessible on all four faces, the plaza combines the old and the new into a space that is adaptable for expression for the UH community.
Active Lanais The plaza aims to extend the function of it’s surrounding schools. Color coded in colors, these lawns will activate formerly unused spaces. Shaded with trees, and canopy, students have a space to eat, study, and lounge.
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A Plaza for Expression The lanais in the front of academic departments. The art school is known for sculpture. Miller is known for it’s fashion design. Each school will have unique attributes in their lanai.
Flexible, clean slate Varney Plaza is not only a shaded space, it is a place for student events, markets, games, club social events. The intent with the design is to give the user’s flexibility to set up for their needs.
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
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Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
historic palm trees preserved
shaded lanai for seating and gathering
lens of water
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pedestri comforta
shaded lanai for seating and gathering Hawaii Hall lanais
ian centric able environment
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
Alternative #1: “incorporating established historic constraints of the site” Varney Square with restored and extended fountain, preserved historical palm trees are integrated with new palm plantings, shaded lanais extend academic functions into the vibrant Square.
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Alternative #2: “interpreting established historic constraints of the site” 6>À iÞ -µÕ>Ài à > yiÝ L i V Ìi « À>ÀÞ V> «Õà V Ài° Ƃ ÃÌ>Ìi Þ L õÕi v >Ì Ûi > shades spaces for gathering and living, an elegant lens of water cools the Square, connecting inhabitants with nature and the landscape beyond.
Varney Square: Simon Bussiere ASLA AILA, Jonathan Quach, Thien Phuc Ngoc Nguen
CAMPUS COMPASS
Communal spaces for outdoor learning. Karla Sierralta AIA, Assistant Professor University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, School of Architecture
Rebekah Dalton, Bachelor of Environmental Design 4th year student University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, School of Architecture Hunter Wells, Bachelor of Environmental Design 4th year student University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, School of Architecture Varney Circle Design Tank, July 2020
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Find your way.
1
Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
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CAMPUS COMPASS . Karla Sierralta with Rebekah Dalton and Hunter Wells, July 2020
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
I
fouR pIlARS
Campus as Center of Knowledge
CAMPUS COMPASS . Karla Sierralta with Rebekah Dalton and Hunter Wells, July 2020
One of a handful of land-, sea-, space-, and sun-grant institutions in the world.
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“Like no place on Earth”. “From distant galaxies to the ocean depths and everywhere in between”. “An accredited arboretum, showcasing plants from Hawaiʻi, the Pacific, and across the tropics, including a number of truly exceptional trees, such as the largest Baobab in the United States.”
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
II
fouR pIlARS
Celebrating Diversity
CAMPUS COMPASS . Karla Sierralta with Rebekah Dalton and Hunter Wells, July 2020
A Diverse multicultural community, both on Campus and throughout our islands.
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“The University of Hawaiʻi-Mānoa is the (nation’s) most diverse university in terms of students and faculty.” “The diversity and Hawaiʻi’s spirit of Aloha - a term that refers to the mutual regard, caring and affection felt and expressed among people from all walks of life- contributes to a unique campus environment.” “In 2019, the Aloha State was found to have the highest racial and ethnic diversity in the U.S., followed by the second highest generational diversity.”
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4
Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
III
fouR pIlARS
A unique Geographic location
CAMPUS COMPASS . Karla Sierralta with Rebekah Dalton and Hunter Wells, July 2020
Unique conditions that exist nowhere else on earth, from high percentages of rare and endangered endemic species to culture, language, and way of thinking, exclusive to the region.
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Hawaii
Rapa Nui
New Zealand
angle
n Tri
nesia
Poly
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
IV
fouR pIlARS
A Hawaiian place of learning
CAMPUS COMPASS . Karla Sierralta with Rebekah Dalton and Hunter Wells, July 2020
Committed to being the leading indigenous serving university in the country.
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“Nā Kuhi, Directions: Like the many layers of kaona (hidden meaning) in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi poetry, place is viewed with immense dimensionality from a Kanaka perspective...Hawaiian language texts and oral histories suggests that the concepts of place and time were largely indivisible in the ancestral Kanaka world view.” Oliveira, Ancestral Places. From E Hoʻi Ka Uʻi. Edited by Kelsey Jorgensen
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
uNDERSTANDING CoNTEXT
Varney Circle 1934
CAMPUS COMPASS . Karla Sierralta with Rebekah Dalton and Hunter Wells, July 2020
Varney Circle originally marked the east/west and north/south spines of campus. A vehicle oriented roundabout with two major components, a circular lawn and a fountain.
High
This desig is eli articu expre
Disti
If a re chara a dist in oth poten
UHM
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F
h Artistic Value
evaluation criterion is related to a site’s overall gn, or certain aesthetic elements. A property igible for its high artistic values if it so fully ulates a particular concept of design that it esses an aesthetic ideal.
inguishable Entity
esource has an important feature or acteristic in its design or history which gives it tinctive identity, and which is not recognized her criteria, it should still be considered ntially as a distinguishable entity.
Information Content (National Register Criterion D) This criterion is often used to value archaeological resources but it can be used to evaluate other heritage resources when there is a unique potential to yield important information that may contribute to the understanding of human history. This criterion notes that the property to be eligible under Criterion D must be or must have been the principal source of the important information. Period of Significance and Historic Context Properties and sites have a Period of Significance and Historic Context that are associated with the
Campus Heritage Report 7
Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
CAMPUS COMPASS . Karla Sierralta with Rebekah Dalton and Hunter Wells, July 2020
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from passageway to destination From roundabout to meeting place, from viewing to inhabiting, from solid to void, from passive to active, from static to dynamic.
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
uNDERSTANDING CoNTEXT
Varney Circle and the Campus Today A strategic location, campus crossroads.
Mauka
East West
Makai
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
uNDERSTANDING CoNTEXT
Site Considerations
Campus Compass proposes minimal site interventions, reinterpreting Varney Circle and its most immedia
Saunders Hall
Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services
Crawford Hall
Quad
Ahu Kamakaʻeha
Propos Area o Interven
Hawaiʻi Hall
Lawn + Palm Grove
Segmen to be rep
Future pedestrian walkway
Rec Center Proposed Area of Intervention Potential Sites for Expanded Proposal
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New Connecting Pathway
Dean Hall
Mill Ha
ate surroundings.
Webster Hall
r
Snyder Hall
sed of ntion
McCarthy Mall Towards Hamilton Library
nt of curb placed
ler all
Edmondson Hall
Wayfinding sign
Towards Legacy Path and Campus Center
Bilger Hall Art Building
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
uNDERSTANDING CoNTEXT
precedents Typological and analogous precedents, including urban circles, fountains and modern water features.
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Navy Yards Central Green, James Corner Field Operations, Philadelphia, PA, 2015 UVA Memorial, Höweler + Yoon Architecture, Charlottesville, VA, 2020 Beauty, Studio Olafur Eliasson, 1993 Ellen S. Clark Memorial Hope Plaza, Maya Lin and Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, St. Louis, MO, 2010 Silence, Tadao Ando with BDP and Blair Associates, Mount Street in Mayfair, London, 2011 Kastrup Sea Bath, White Arkitekter AB, Kastrup, Denmark, 2004 The Circle, Hoerr Shaudt Landscape Architects, Illinois, Normal, United States, 2002-2010 Tanner Fountain, Peter Walker, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 1984 Your Rainbow Panorama, Studio Olafur Eliasson, Aarhus, Denmark, 2011
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
Queen Liliʻu for Stude
le Pl irc
atf
C
Saunders Hall
or m
hin
gW all
Teac
Quad
Hawaiʻi Hall
Lawn + Palm Grove
Dean Hall
h
ua
d Benc
Future pedestrian walkway
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Rec Center
e S ha d rcl
e
Ci
Webster Hall
uokalani Center ent Services
Snyder Hall Ahu Kamaka’eha
r
le Ben
C ele ctr
ica l
ab
ch
T
le Pla irc
nte
w/
McCarthy Mall
ain R
ck Tru
ea c h e Bl
rs
Food
,4 ne Zo
bo w
5
to
New Connecting Pathway and ramp
Wayfinding sign
Miller Hall
Art Building Towards Legacy Path and Campus Center 13
Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
1
EIGHT CoNCEpTS
outdoor learning forum
Work / charging station
An inclusive space where students, faculty, and the entire community come together to discuss ideas, celebrate achievements, and learn from each other.
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
2
EIGHT CoNCEpTS
peaks and Valleys A gentle topography of peaks, valleys, and cliffs. At the highest level of six feet four endemic trees are planted so that shade will be available throughout the day. A series of workstations allow students to connect, recharge, and study. From small groups to large gatherings the center is simultaneously multi-use.
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
3
EIGHT CoNCEpTS
lei Garden A place that honors endemic species, and cultural practices. A space for celebration in honor of Queen Lili’uokalani, Ada Susan Varney and distinguished faculty and university members alike.
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ʻaʻaliʻi
ʻākia
hala
hinahina
ʻIlima
kaunaʻoa
kou
kulu’ī
kupukupu
maʻo
maile
māmane
ʻōhiʻa lehua
paʻiniu
palaʻā
palapapai
pohinahina
pūkiawe
ūʻlei
ti
moa
From CTAHR. hawaii.edu (Growing Plants for Hawaiian Lei, native and canoe plants).
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
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Work station
Guided Campus Tour
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
Outdoor Class / Lecture
Graduation Celebration
Lei Offering
Rotating Gallery
Visiting Parent
4
EIGHT CoNCEpTS
Water Feature as Scientific Instrument Connected to and driven by live ocean data, from the six UH wave sensors around Oʻahu. The collective gathering space celebrates the nature and poetry of our unique geographic context.
The responsive, zero-clearance “dry fountain” can be turned off for performances or special events, allowing the center spa
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ace to be utilized fully.
WINDWARD
EWA
LEAHI
LEEWARD
*
*
* *
* *
Live waveset data from www.pacioos.hawaii.edu
“Aku Nuʻuanu i ka hālau loa a ka makani; ʻāko Mānoa i ka hale a ke ehu.” Gathered in Nuʻuanu is the longhouse of the wind; gathered in Mānoa is the house of rainy sprays. Inscription in seating. Source: Olelo No ‘Eau. Mary Kawena Pukui
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
5
EIGHT CoNCEpTS
Circle as Wayfinding Device Inspired by the Hawaiian Star Compass, this is a place where you can meet to start a journey or to find your own way.
Compass entryways with directional signage and rotating Digital Galleries.
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Outer Circle Star Compass Detail
Inner Circle Star Compass Detail
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
6
EIGHT CoNCEpTS
pavement as Narrative Our proposal acknowledges and ties into the signage system developed by the UHCDC team. The pattern, to be developed by Hawaiian designers, will support the narrative arc of UH Manoa’s campus. A surface of accessible, environmentally friendly permeable pavers where pedestrians, bikes, food trucks, and emergency vehicles can co-exist.
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cu t
on
ly in
this
area
UH Manoa Campus Building Sign
al ch Minim
r cu to s e ang
b-
Inspiration Pattern by Sig Zane
6” x 9” standard pavers
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
CAMPUS COMPASS . Karla Sierralta with Rebekah Dalton and Hunter Wells, July 2020
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Campus Compass: An Expanded Model A set of planters, benches, seating areas, and shading devices offer the potential for expanding outdoor learning across the entire campus.
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
7
EIGHT CoNCEpTS
Spatial ohana Fourteen mix-and-match objects can create outdoor learning settings across the campus.
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Circle
Half Rainbow Bench
Full Rainbow Bench
Thin Circle Bench
Wide Circle Bench
Circle Platform
Teaching Wall
Quad Bench
Rainbow Bleacher
Open Circle Bench
Table Bench
Half Circle Platform
Circle Shade
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
Planter Bench
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Teaching Wall
Circle Shade
Open Circle Bench
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
8
EIGHT CoNCEpTS
lunar Alignment
CAMPUS COMPASS . Karla Sierralta with Rebekah Dalton and Hunter Wells, July 2020
An integral lighting strategy guides the way, responding to the light of the moon. Dimmer on a full moon and brighter at the beginning of the cycle.
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Hilo
Māhealani
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
CAMPUS COMPASS
Communal spaces for outdoor learning. fouR pIllARS I II III IV
Campus as Center of Knowledge Celebrating Diversity Unique Geographic Location Hawaiian Place of Learning
EIGHT CoNCEpTS Outdoor Learning Forum Lei Garden Peaks and Valleys Water Feature as Scientific Instrument Circle as Wayfinding Device Pavement as Narrative Spatial Ohana Lunar Alignment
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Campus Compass: Karla Sierralta AIA, Rebekah Dalton, Hunter Wells
VARNEY PLAZA
hoʻopili
To bring together, stick; to attach oneself to a person; united, as friends; to mimic, imitate; to claim a relationship; to put together, as parts of a puzzle.
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Varney Circle Design Tank July 9 - 13, 2020 UHCDC UH Office of Project Delivery UHM Campus Framework Team
Design Team Judith Stilgenbauer Professor UHM School of Architecture Matthew Higa MLA Candidate Jonathan ‘Malu’ Stanich MLA Candidate
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
DESIGN CRITERIA UHM CAMPUS FRAMEWORK PRINCIPLES • Foster inclusivity & connectivity • Cultivate collaboration • Promote world-class instruction & scholarship • Leverage unique attributes of place • Steward our natural environment
CAMPUS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FEEDB
• Many community oberservations and suggestions are close
• The design objectives above, and their programmatic interp
framework
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VARNEY PLAZA DESIGN OBJECTIVES • Improve pedestrian experience & spatial definition • Create a multi-purpose civic gathering space • Facilitate campus activities and outdoor assembly • Promote a multi-cultural & Hawaiʻian sense of place • Improve site ecology and resilience
BACK
ely aligned with UHM Campus Framework principles.
pretation, incorporate a majority of community suggestions.
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Manoa Valley
PILIPILI
• Ahupuaʻa: Waikiki • ʻIli ʻaina: Pilipili framework
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A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Upper Campus | Civic Open
MCCAR
LEGACY PATH
QUAD
framework
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n Spaces
RTHY MALL
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Site | Orientation
• • • • • •
Ho`opili Cardinal directions Star compass Mauka - makai Landmark directions Palolo - Makiki
framework
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A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Site | Directions and Plaza Lay
WEST
CAMPUS GRID
• • • •
Cardinal directions Campus grid Varney Plaza captures various directions Parti diagram breaks symmetry, moves circle off-center
framework
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yers
NORTH
EAST
S D
SOUTH
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Site | Mountain to Sea
Mauka - makai direction Vertical site elements Paving patterns Drainage
framework
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ak M
• • • •
Tr W ad in e ds
ka
au
M
i ka A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Site | Connectivity st
af
St
u f, de fa n cu ts lt , y
Campus Leadership
framework
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S af tud f, fa ent cu s, l ty
Pedestrians Shared plaza Civic space Capture flows Convergence Constituents Diversity
nt e ud hip t S rs e ad e L
st
• • • • • • •
Hoʻo
Campus `Ohana & Public
Students, staff, faculty
Campus `Ohana
opili Campus `Ohana & Public
St
st ud af en f, fa ts, cu lt y
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
St st ud af en f, fa ts, cu lt y
Campus `Ohana & Public
Student Services
Site | Civic Gathering Space
DRAGON DANCE
• • • • • • • • •
Multi-purpose plaza Announcements Protests Group events Seasonal festivals Info booths Performances Hula Etc.
framework
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TMT PROTESTERS
LOVE LIFE 2019
MARIO SAVIO SPEAKING AT SPROUL PLAZA IN 1964 (IMAGE: UC BERKELEY, BANCROFT LIBRARY)
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Site | Vehicle Access Across Sh
• Drivable surfaces, free from vertical obstructions, allow for limited service, maintenance, and emergency vehicle access • Drop off and Rainbow Shuttle framework
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hared Plaza Surface
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Site | Water, Energy, and Shad
PERME ELONG CONCR
• Shade structures protect concrete seat walls and capture rainwater and sun energy • Rainwater storage cisterns and solar-powered pumps supply kalo pond framework
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de
EABLE SURFACES OF CUSTOM-DESIGNED, GATED, MAUKA-MAKAI-ORIENTED PRECAST RETE PAVERS
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Site | Interactive
Elements
CROWN FOUNTAIN CHICAGO
• Palm-inspired tensile structures contain built-in projectors that allow for illumination of Hawaiʻi Hall and QLC facades • Columns hold augmented reality technology that displays user-generated content on sails • Central multi-purpose plaza allows for ad hoc space configurations framework
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WHITE HOUSE (2015)
HONOLULU HALE DURING WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
VARNEY PLAZA
hoʻopili
Design Alterna incorporating historic site elements
framework
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ative 01
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
ABEL
ABEL
ABEL
ABEL
ABEL
ABEL
ABEL
ABEL
ABEL
ABEL
ABEL
ABEL
ABEL
ABEL
COMBINED “STAGE” & SEATING AREA
ABEL QUAD
REST FOU
VARNEY PLAZA: MULTI-PURPOSE CIVIC GATHERING SPA
NIU GROVE
EXPANDED ULU ORCHARD
0
15
30
60
90
alternative 01 / plan
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150
INTERACTIVE SHADE STRUCTURES, SEAT WALLS
MCCARTY MALL
STORED UNTAIN
ACE
INTERACTIVE SHADE STRUCTURES, SEAT WALLS
TERRACES
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Section Perspective | View
• Design Alternative 1 integrates the restored Varney Fountain design element is situated off-center in the proposed multi-
• Groves of existing and proposed trees, including the historic well as clusters of multi-functional, palm-inspired shade stru alternative 01 / section perspective
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w towards Hawaiʻi Hall
n, which is surrounded by a seat wall and “stage.” This circular -purose civic gathering space.
c Joseph Rock palms and an expanded breadfruit orchard, as uctures, spatially define Varney Plaza.
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
VARNEY PLAZA
hoʻopili
Design Alterna interpreting historic site elements
framework 190
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ative 02
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
CIRCULAR SEAT WALL QUAD
KALO POND
VARNEY PLAZA: MULTI-PURPOSE CIVIC GATHERING SPA
NIU GROVE
EXPANDED ULU ORCHARD
alternative 02 / site plan
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INTERACTIVE SHADE STRUCTURES, SEAT WALLS
MCCARTY MALL
INTERACTIVE SHADE STRUCTURES, SEAT WALLS
ACE
TERRACES
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Section Perspective | View
• Design Alternative 2 proposes a circular kalo pond, fed by ra productive site feature is surrounded by a circular seatwall th within the proposed multi-purpose civic gathering space.
• Groves of existing and proposed trees, including the historic orchard, as well as clusters of multi-functional, palm-inspired alternative 02 / section perspective
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w towards Hawaiʻi Hall
ainwater, where Varney Fountain used to be. This symbolic and hat facilitates gathering. The kalo pond is situated off-center
c Joseph Rock palms and an expanded breadfruit d shade structures, spatially define Varney Plaza.
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
A Cultivated Co UH Mānoa Team:
Phoebe White, ASLA, Assistant Professor, School of Architecture Keola Annino, MLA + D.Arch Student Lynn Mayekawa, MLA Student
2020 196
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Varne
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ey CircleDesign Tank A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
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Inclusive Civic Core
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Commemorate Arboreal Heritage
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Utilize this Heritage to Foster Educational Stewardship
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Team Fra
amework/Principles A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Historical Center
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College of Hawaii (1907 - 1917) Structures demolished College to University (1920 - 1940) Structures demolished Post-War Years (1941 - 1960) Building Boom (1961 - 1981) Present Day (1981 - present)
50'
100'
200'
Scale: 1" = 100' - 0"
Civic Heritage A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
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Campus Plant Code Legacy: Rock Palm Legacy: Comestible Legacy: Medicinal McCarthy Mall Monkeypods Current Palm Collection Comestible Medicinal Plants Lei Plants C&c Exceptional Trees
50'
100'
200'
Scale: 1" = 100' - 0"
Arboreal Heritage A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Queen Liliʻuokalani Lei Garden QLCSS Campus Center
Design Garden Collection
Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services
Webster Hall
School of Architecture Holmes Hall (Engineering ) Saunders Hall (DURP) Gilmore Hall (CTAHR) Architecture
Nutrition Garden Collection Agricultural Engineering Warrior Recreation Center
Warrior Rec Center
Art
Campus Center
04 Interdisciplinary Ed 204
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Gilmore Hall
Agricultural Engineering
St. John Labratory
Medicinal Garden Collection
Snyder Hall
Building
Hawaiian School of Knowledge (Laʻau Lapaʻau) Webster (School of Nursing ) St. John Labratory Snyder Hall
The Arts Garden Collection Hawaiian School of Knowledge (Kapa Making ) Art Building
50' Holmes Hall
100'
200'
Scale: 1" = 100' - 0"
ducational Ecosystem A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Saunders Hall
Queen Liliʻuokalani Center f Student Services Crawford Hall
Hawai'i Hall
Dean Hall
Mil Ha
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ller all
Snyder Hall
Vehicular Access Pedestrian Artery
15'
30'
60'
Scale: 1" = 30' - 0"
Ex. Site Barriers A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Saunders Hall
Rhonda Miller Memorial
Queen Liliʻuokalani Center f Student Services
Crawford Hall
Hawai'i Hall
Dean Hall
Ada Susan Memorial Foun
Rock Memorial Garden
Mil Ha
06 208
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Ex. Arboreal H
for
n Varney ntain & Circle
ller all
Webster Hall
Memorial Courtyard
Snyder Hall
Charles J. McCarthy Mall Legacy: Rock Palm Legacy: Comestible Legacy: Medicinal McCarthy Mall Monkeypods Current Palm Collection Comestible
Art Building
Medicinal Plants Lei Plants C&c Exceptional Trees
15'
30'
60'
Heritage + Memorials Scale: 1" = 30 ' - 0"
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Saunders Hall
Queen Liliʻuokalani Center f Student Services Crawford Hall
05
04
07
03
Hawaiʻi Hall
01
02
04 Dean Hall 06
08
Proposal: 210
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Mil Ha
Spalding Hall
Memorial Courtyard Webster Hall
for 05
10
Snyder Hall
01 Civic Plaza
04
02 Ephemeral Reflecting Pool McCarthy Mall
2
03 Ahu Memorial Garden 04 Endemic Loulu Grove 05 Pedestrian Promenade 06 Palm Living Laboratory + Outdoor Classrooms 07 Varney Fountain
09
ller all
08 Edible Tree Grove + Outdoor Classrooms Bilger Hall Art 09 Cultivated Terraces + Building Outdoor Classrooms 10 La`au Lapa`au Garden 15'
30'
60'
A Cultivated Core Scale: 1" = 30 ' - 0"
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Saunders Hall
Queen Liliʻuokalani Center f Student Services Crawford Hall
Hawaiʻi Hall Varney Fountain
Civic Core
Dean Hall
Mil Ha
Proposal: Establish 212
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for
Webster Hall
Memorial Courtyard
Snyder Hall
McCarthy Mall
Art Building
Bilger Hall
ller all 15'
30'
60'
h Inclusive Civic Core Scale: 1" = 30 ' - 0"
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Unique, Local Paving
Vogt, National Museum Zurich
Vogt, National Museum Zurich
James Rose, James Rose Center
Michel Corajoud, Water Mirror Bordea
Precedents: 214
Ephemeral W
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Water Feature
aux
Porous Grove
Lincoln Center North Plaza
Peter Walker and Partners, Novartis Campus
Inclusive Civic Core A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Proposal: Establish 216
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h Inclusive Civic Core A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Proposal: Establish 0X 218
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h Inclusive xx Civic Core A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Saunders Hall
Queen Liliʻuokalani Center f Student Services Crawford Hall
Hawaiʻi Hall
A Cultivated Core
Varney Fountain
Dean Hall
Mil Ha
Proposal: 220
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Ampl
for
ller all
Spalding Hall
Memorial Courtyard Webster Hall
Snyder Hall McCarthy Mall
Art Building
Proposed Ahu and Queen Lili`uokalani Memorial Garden Proposed Loulu Civic Grove Bilger Hall Proposed Rock Memorial Legacy Palm Planting 15'
30'
60'
lify Arboreal Heritage Scale: 1" = 30 ' - 0"
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
propogation cultiva
programmatic + educ
13
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ation
stewardship
cational ecology web
xx
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Saunders Hall
Living lab classroom space
Queen Liliʻuokalani Center f Student Services
Crawford Hall
Hawaiʻi Hall
Memorial garden for Liliʻuokalani A Cultivated Core
Varney Fountain
Dean Hall
Learning Labs for design based study areas and stewardship
Mil Ha
Proposal: Living Labo 224
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for
Spalding Hall
Memorial Courtyard Webster Hall
Snyder Hall McCarthy Mall
r
ller all
Laʻau Lapaʻau garden
Cultivated terraces for nutritional learning
Art Building
Bilger Hall
oratory + Stewardship A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Fosters Place-Based Stewardship
STIMSON, U. Mass Amherst Integrated Design Building
STIMSON, U. Mass Amherst Integrated
Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Ohio State University Knowlton School
STIMSON, Williams College
Precedents: 226
Outdoor C
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Classrooms
d Design Building
Frames + Amplifies Arboreal Heritage
Anouk Vogel, Jameel Art Centre
Anouk Vogel, Atrium Table
Living Laboratories A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
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Living Laborat
tory-Based Learning A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Saunders Hall
Queen Liliʻuokalani Center f Student Services Crawford Hall
Varney Fountain Re-Located to Beaux Arts Quad
07
05
04
03
Hawaiʻi Hall
01
02
04 Dean Hall 06
08
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Mil Ha
Spalding Hall
Memorial Courtyard Webster Hall
for 05
10
Snyder Hall
01 Civic Plaza
04
02 Ephemeral Reflecting Pool McCarthy Mall
2
03 Ahu Memorial Garden 04 Endemic Loulu Grove 05 Pedestrian Promenade 06 Palm Living Laboratory + Outdoor Classrooms 07 Varney Fountain
09
ller all
08 Edible Tree Grove + Outdoor Classrooms Bilger Hall Art 09 Cultivated Terraces + Building Outdoor Classrooms 10 La`au Lapa`au Garden 15'
30'
60'
Opt A Site Plan Scale: 1" = 30 ' - 0"
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Saunders Hall
Crawford Hall
05
Queen Liliʻuokalani Center f Student Services Var Foun Restor Pla 04
03
Hawaiʻi Hall
01
02
04 Dean Hall 06
07
18 232
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Mil Ha
Spalding Hall
Memorial Courtyard Webster Hall
for
rney ntain red in ace
05
09
Snyder Hall
04 01 Civic Plaza McCarthy Mall
2
02 Varney Fountain 03 Ahu Memorial Garden 04 Endemic Loulu Grove 05 Pedestrian Promenade
08
ller all
06 Palm Living Laboratory + Outdoor Classrooms 07 Edible Tree Grove + Outdoor Classrooms Bilger Hall Art 08 Cultivated Terraces + Building Outdoor Classrooms 09 La`au Lapa`au Garden 15'
30'
60'
Opt B Site Plan Scale: 1" = 30 ' - 0"
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
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Ex. Varney Circle A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Opt A 236
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Ephem
meral Water Feature A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Opt B 238
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Varney Fountain A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
living lab stewardshi before + after
22
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ip perspective
xx
A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Memorial Courtyard Webster Hall
McCa Ma
Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services
Cultivated
Hawa Hal
23 242
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Evolving
arthy all
Art Building
Miller Hall
d Core
aiʻi ll
the Cultivated Core A Cultivated Core: Phoebe White ASLA, Keola Annino, Lynn Mayekawa
Design Tank Frameworks
01 Varney Square A Vibrant and Adaptable Campus Core Towards a New Campus Nature Reflect and Cultivate our Shared Diversity
02 Campus Compass Campus as Center of Knowledge Celebrating Diversity Unique Geographic Location A Hawaiian Place of Learning 12
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03 Hoʻopili Foster inclusivity & connectivity Cultivate collaboration Promote world-class instruction & scholarship Leverage unique attributes of place Steward our natural environment
Memorial Courtyard Webster Hall
McCarthy Mall
Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services
Art Building
04 Cultivated Core
Miller Hall
Inclusive Civic Core
Cultivated Core
Commemorate Arboreal Heritage Hawaiʻi Hall
23
Utilize this Heritage to Foster Educational Stewardship
Evolving the Cultivated Core
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Design Elements Design Review panelists identified key components and strategies that emerged from the four presentations. These included physical objects, spatial typologies, and modifications suggested by each design team.
Plants Trees, and shade structures ʻUlu orchard—relates to history of the site Loʻi at the center—low maintenance and culturally relevant
Landscape Move the fountain (other side of Hawaiʻi Hall) Keep the fountain and circle Light and dark hardscape use of local coral and rock, pōhaku, ʻiliʻili Terracing to Art Building
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Technology Water features express local hydrology Integration of information and technology Use of projections as flexible and adaptive solutions Integration of digital and physical wayfinding
Space Large civic gathering spaces Attention to the ahu Democratic spirit Responsive to movement flows Microclimates—small architectures that connect people to place and environment. Outdoor learning forums, living labs
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Design Review Panel Feedback
The review following the presentations generated abundant feedback grouped under two categories—opportunities and concerns.
Opportunities A new civic gathering space for the campus Connections between people and place Learning landscapes Latent history of the campus Strategic material selection Human comfort Spaces that keep students on campus Asia-Pacific connections Investment for a world class campus environment
Concerns Operations and maintenance Colonial and indigenous conflicts Campus stewardship Campus-wide input Economic realities and financial sustainability Accessibility
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Review Panel Commentary A new civic gathering space for the campus
“What we’ve been wanting to see for the past 20 years is for Varney to be that place where everything happens—that center of campus.” “Pilina also means relationship...it integrates really nicely with this idea of a civic core and bringing thoughtful civic debate or agreement, the place name in and of itself helps us to build on those very key ideas of civic engagement, which is what universities should do.” “Turn it more into a people place. “All four groups focused on different forms of gathering, collection space, using different scales, different types of events.” “How you respond to that, that idea of Varney being a place where people should be collecting for everything from casual two person get-together through protests and all the way to ultimately graduationsone of the most significant events.” “I know that the face of the campus, globally, is changing really rapidly. So to me, I look at the things that are constant. And one of those things that’s constant is how we come together and live together and work as networks of collaborators. There’s never been a greater need for a big civic space for people to do that coming together.” “I love that stuff when kids run through the fountains” “We really wanted a space that was democratic, open to everybody and something that would be able to create awareness of the amazing environment in which we’re in and acknowledge the complexity of this place.”
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“The word “kākou”, which means all of us, was something that we kept in mind.”
Operations and maintenance
“We’re not good with water features. Every water feature on this campus right now is broken, except for some water fountains where you can get drinking water.” If we don’t have the appropriate resources, I can “kill it in six weeks. So all your work. What? Two, three years of work, I can destroy in six weeks if we don’t have the appropriate resources.” “Edibles are made to be eaten, that means they need to be harvested on a regular basis. They need to be replanted on a regular basis. That requires labor.” “There has to be vehicular access through there, not just for fire trucks, but it is the only way that places like Hemenway and Campus Center can get their deliveries.” “We’re even thinking of opening up Metcalf so they [delivery vehicles] can come through the back side. Instead of driving through Varney. It may be a controlled access, that type where only service vehicles can get in. But we’re thinking about it.”
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Campus Stewardship
“The stewardship of whatever we put in is so important. Not just the work involved in maintenance, but also for whomever sees themselves as part of that legacy of that memorial.” “This design idea would start to foster a new way of thinking about our campus, our landscape as a major opportunity for learning and teaching and having students and faculty and administrators and staff feel that they can contribute in a way.”
Connections between people and place
“Not only do those directional markings embody use, function, and design, they also frame climate. If you’re designing for trade winds or rain, you naturally design both for protection from these elements or for new ways to enjoy them. And all of those varied winds and rains have unique names that provide deeper insights into place-specific ideas for design and function.” “I like the idea of hoʻopili and arching back to place names that incorporate indigenous origins, places like Pilipili. That idea of demarcating pili is to be closes to that deeper relationship. Pilina also means “relationship,” and it really integrates really nicely with the contemporary idea of a civic core— bringing thoughtful people together for civic debate and engagement, whatever the topic.” “I would like to suggest that the place name becomes the name of this area. But I offer that with humility and respect for the historic nature of that fountain.” “We think that this is a perfect place to find our way on campus, to start student tours, to have access to the map, through the app, to know where to point to more and all the different directions.”
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“Anything to integrate the rich Mānoa sense of place connecting with native Hawaiian ahupuaʻa design principles is surely important.” “Capturing the actual beauty of our place is something that I think we can all support.”
Learning landscapes
“I like the idea of the living lab, the arboretum. That’s why the arboretum was created, to function as a living lab so that we could integrate the landscape into academia.” “Integrate stewardship of the landscape into coursework, use the landscape as a learning tool, a tool for learning the more tactile aspects of design or cultivation, heritage, cultural uses.” “I did like the emphasis on the arboreal heritage and educational stewardship. Again, increasing the interactivity and productivity of the space.” “I did like the idea of having a little circular loʻi in place of the fountain because it seems like water features have difficulties with maintenance.” “Uncovering a memorial that was already there is something intriguing to me ... how we make that apparent to people is something to think about. What kind of educational devices have to be enlisted in order for people to actually see this?” “I also really liked your idea of projections and AR because that’s really flexible and adaptive.
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Colonial and indigenous conflicts
“The Territorial Schools—and the Normal Schools, where Ada Susan Varney taught—are educational systems that damaged the Hawaiian psyche, and contributed to the near loss of our language. It was a very effective tool of de-nationalization for the Hawaiian people.” “I think a really interesting design problem in any colonial setting is how we recognize that colonial past for what it is. Just putting something on top of it doesn’t always work either.” “I actually liked the idea of moving the existing fountain to the other side of Hawai’i Hall—all this great stuff happening on one side of the building and nothing on other; that may be a more appropriate place for Varney fountain, too.” “We did struggle with the object as a potentially derogatory symbol of a really harmful moment in time. Moving it to a space that is cohesive with that moment in time was our best option in terms of preserving the historical object.”
Campus-wide input
“I’m glad to see different ʻōiwi perspectives being considered. I just implore everyone to please keep consulting with kanaka maoli practitioners and people” “Whenever we’re making different changes to the ʻāina ... we must continue to think about our place in Hawaiʻi, and what it means when we’re altering different parts of the ʻāina?” “Ensuring that student voices continue to be amplified and consulted with during this time is absolutely imperative.”
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Latent history of the campus
“I have to be a voice of historic preservation. So I don’t want to see Miller Hall knocked down. I think they’re remnant of the Neoclassical campus.” “I love the kind of nuance of a campus that shows [these types of] changes over time. And I think you have to kind of pick and choose the things you want to say.” “The sculpture itself was a pioneering effort to bring some sort of abstracted sense of Hawaiian design to an artifact that then would be carried on again in Hemingway and a few other places of the same period.”
Economic realities and financial sustainability
“If a goal is to encourage/invite the general public, neighbors, visitors, alumni, and guest to also enjoy this area, basic services and amenities might be considered to enhance the experience and provide enjoyment and generate revenues to support this area. Attractions, displays, food and or kiosks might be nice amenities for this area where practical and appropriate; and maintenance and operational issues are addressed.” “We must consider the current economic condition that we find ourselves in, as well as the length of time that it will take us to kick out of this economic situation”
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Strategic material selection
“Making an upfront investment and building all the landscape elements properly, using the right paving materials—and yes, if lava rock and coral are available, I’m all in favor, if in the long run that saves money in maintenance.” “When you start choosing plants, you really gotta get some plant people involved here. I don’t see people from CTAHR here. I think that that’s kind of a missing link.”
Human comfort
“I like the emphasis on shading. I’m based at Saunders Hall. So I walk through to QLC and to McCarthy Mall a lot and it is hot there and I have had to wait for the shuttle there.” “So I’m drawing on a trip that I took to Peru in which those kinds of amphitheaters were designed just to produce microclimates. It’s a very different way on a smaller scale to integrate plants and to bring people closer to plants.”
Spaces that keep students on campus
“As you probably all know we are a commuter school as opposed to having a large facility for living on campus. I really wish more people did live on campus and wish more faculty, people and students lived on campus.” “I’m in favor of anything that gets people to stay on campus longer, instead of just coming for classes then leaving, visiting just their classroom building and the parking lot.”
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Asia-Pacific connections
“We’ve been planting ʻulu trees all over campus because it’s a beautiful tree, it’s got a lot of heritage, and it can feed thousands of people. And that grove in particular, that was blown out by the addition of the Warrior Rec Center, that actually was a historic collection of ʻulu that was collected throughout the South Pacific and brought here to be studied.” “In the history of modern Hawaiʻi, particularly our evolving global exchange with other universities in the Asia-pacific region, Hawaiʻi is getting more and more attention internationally.”
Accessibility
“Many people use campus road to access that part of campus – the upper part of campus, especially people who have mobility differences. And it really helps them access their classes and other resources.”
Investment for a world class campus environment
“These projects embody our values and aspirational goals. If we want that, we have to invest in it. And if we invest in it, I think we can attract more students.”
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Varney Circle Bibliography Jorgensen, Kelsy M.Y. E Hoʻi Ka Uʻi: Perspectives on Placemening in Hawaiʻi. School of Architecture, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. 2019. Kamins, Robert M., and Robert E. Potter. Mālamalama: A History of the University of Hawaiʻi. Honolulu: The University of Hawaii Press, 1998. Koboyashi, Victor, ed. Building a Rainbow: A History of the Buildings and Grounds of the University of Hawaiiʻs Manoa Campus. 1983. https://evols.library.manoa.hawaii. edu/handle/10524/654 Long Range Development Plan: 2007 Update. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. http:// manoa.hawaii.edu/ovcafo/pdf/2007LRDPFinal.pdf. Oppegaard, Brett. “Prototyping and Public Art: Design and Field Studies in Locative Media.” In Communication Design Quarterly. 2020. http://sigdoc.acm.org/wp-content/ uploads/2020/06/CDQ20004_Oppegaard.pdf UHM Mānoa Campus Framework for the Future (2020). University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. https://www.manoaframeworkfuture.info. University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa Campus Heritage Report (2008). University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. https://manoa.hawaii.edu/opf/masterplans.php. University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa Campus Landscape Plan (May 2012). University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. https://web.archive.org/web/20161101172031/http://manoa. hawaii.edu/planning/LMP_May2012.pdf.
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APPENDIX Appendix A: Other correspondence Appendix B: Our Campus Website Appendix C: Survey Appendix D: What should this campus focal point symbolize? (all responses)
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Appendix A: Other correspondence
“I have been a student and faculty at UH Mānoa since the mid-Sixties. Over the years I have seen many unfortunate structures go up on campus and any sense of a Pacific Island place of learning informed by our kanaka maoli heritage undermined. There are simply too many (ugly and badly maintained) buildings around and they clutter a campus whose uniqueness is a marvelous natural backdrop.” “So I would like to see Varney Circle kept like it is, beautified a bit (with an upgraded fountain perhaps). If there is a way to encourage more people to stay a while, meditate, perhaps have lunch, or do a class, that would be wonderful. A tasteful island tree or two to provide some shade...”
* * * “No idea it had historical significance.” “I had no idea that Varney Circle had any historical significance or symbolism. I honestly thought it was only there to allow vehicle access into the middle of campus, and that the fountain was an afterthought. Since it is more roadway than anything else, I avoided it when traveling on foot. (I even avoided it when traveling by bicycle, since bikes+cars is a bad combination, but bikes+pedestrians is much safer—for both!)”
“When my friends or parents would visit Hawaii, I’d give them a campus tour, and be sure to go through the main mall in the middle of campus because it’s such a pleasant area. But, I’d usually steer the tour south through the art building or * * * something like that specifically to avoid Varney Circle, which should be the culmination of the mall, but instead looks like “As appealing as it is to close Varney Circle to vehicular an unassuming access road. I’d always secretly wished that traffic, please do not forget people with mobility issues. You the area could be improved, and I’m very excited to see that would eliminate prime shuttle and vehicle drop-off points, it’s being considered! My suggestion would be not only to making it far less accessible to those of us who can’t move limit vehicle access but to tear up the circular roadway and too well.” make the entire area a lawn, possibly with footpaths.” “Don’t get me started on the shuttles themselves; they are awful for people with physical disabilities. Sure they have lifts, but using them is a major production. Instead I spend money on ride sharing so I don’t injure myself trying to use the stairs on those shuttles.”
* * *
“The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is an accredited campus arboretum. The conceptual framework for what I am proposing is to make the currently bare, long neglected Varney Circle an integral part of our Campus Arboretum. “Whatever is decided, make the design fully accessible. The most basic, preliminary decision is how large do you Access at UH is terrible. There should be no steps, no wish to make the portion of Varney Circle currently devoted stairs, no curbs at and around the new Varney Circle. to the fountain and some surrounding grass areas. While These and other accessible designs features are beneficial what I am proposing will fit any of the three alternatives I to everyone. I’ve sat there waiting for ride share multiple describe, my personal preference is for Alternative Three. times, wishing for some decent shade so the sweat wasn’t As the noted architect-planner declared: “Make no little rolling down my face. Some nice, attractive seating would plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably be welcome. Hard, hot concrete benches are not inviting or themselves will not be realized.” comfortable.” “Basic Configuration of Varney Circle “Make the place beautiful and lush and inviting to Alternative One: Do not change the current areal everyone—not just those who can get around easily—but configuration.” also safe. Keep good sight lines.”
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“Alternative Two: Retain the one-way vehicular path but reduce its width to between 9 and 10 feet, which is all the width needed for vehicles including trucks. I would preserve the area in front of the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center as a bus loading zone. I would devote the saved land to increasing the size of the Varney Circle fountain area, which I will designate hereafter as “Varney Circle Proper”. This plan would allow retention of the current parking spaces, thus avoiding the screams of anguish when places to park cars are reduced or eliminated. I would connect the expanded Circle to the primary pedestrian pathways with raised distinctly colored sidewalks, thus simultaneously enhancing pedestrian access to Varney Circle Proper and improving pedestrian safety. I would also add speed bumps, which work very well on East-West Center Road and Maile Way.” “Alternative Three: Eliminate parking all around Varney Circle devoting the saved land to increasing the size of Varney Circle Proper. Extend McCarthy Mall though Varney Circle all the way to University Avenue. Convert Campus Road into a into a multi-purpose wide, tree-lined pathway for pedestrians, strollers, wheel chairs, skate boards and bicycles (but no motorcycles or mopeds). This will eliminate vehicular access other than for emergency vehicles and do away with the awkward minor parking area external to the Warrior Recreation Center and open-up the current small parking lot by Hemingway Hall to become a tree filled mini-plaza. Move the bus loading area to the side of the Queen Liliʻuokalani Building. Connect the new expanded Varney Circle Proper to the primary pedestrian pathways with distinctive colored pathways that could continue through the expanded Circle. Implementing Alternative 3 would be consistent with and build upon proposals put forth in the May 2012 University of Hawaii at Mānoa Landscaping Master Plan.” “Developing Varney Circle Proper: The area should be populated with large trees, which as they mature will provide the area with a magnificent tree canopy. [Note: Do not use palms, which are grasses not trees and provide few of the benefits that trees do.] The benefit of such large trees are multiple: (1) providing shade and cool
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spaces as climate change leads to increased temperatures in the Tropics; (2) absorbing particulate matter; (3) causing transpiration by which trees absorb water in their roots and release cooling water vapor through their leaves; (4) reducing storm water runoff that damages coral reefs; (5) recharging the fresh water aquifer way beneath the campus; 6) creating plant and animal habits, thus helping to preserve species diversification; (7) increasing the natural beauty of our campus; (8) furthering the union of human beings and nature; (9) providing a space for contemplation, relaxation, unwinding, and conversation on a very busy campus, thus contributing to enhancing educational outcomes and human relationships; and the list of benefits can go on and on. The new Varney Circle Proper will provide a splendid green setting for Hawai‘i Hall, the Queen Lili‘uokalani Center, and Miller Hall young saplings will mature into beautiful, large canopy trees and that the ground cover will prosper. The area should include a large number of picnic or similar type tables so that people may sit and enjoy the environs or, even, heaven forbid, study.” “The current fountain mechanism should be replaced with a large five or six foot sculptured fountain, perhaps one that provides water that slowly cascades over it edges that can be viewed from any direction and encourages calmness and contemplation. The sculptured fountain should be of such design and material composition that it complements and enhances the existing fountain setting. Obviously, provision should be made so the water recirculates. It will be delightful if students can sit on the fountain edge and let the water run over their feet.” “Implementation: Implementing Alternative Three will transform our campus in magnificent ways. It will be much more pedestrian and bicycle friendly and much less car centric. It will be a welcoming and beautiful space that students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors can experience and take pride in. It will provide an exciting and beautifully enriched campus for all to enjoy and benefit from. It will stir the souls of students, faculty, staff, and public at large as it enhances the campus tomorrow, as does McCarthy Mall today.”
It may be desirable for the University to form a partnership with a major Hawai’i foundation to assist in financing this significant redevelopment.” “The implementation of this revitalization of Varney Circle Proper via Alternative Three should be led by the highly qualified arborist that you already have on your staff, namely, Roxanne Adams, Director, Building and Grounds Management, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, who is the reason that the Mānoa Campus is recognized as an Arboretum today.” * * *
the Teachers College building. Later University Elementary School (1936), Castle Memorial Hall (1939), University High School Building 1 (1943), and University High School Building 2 (1948) were added.” “Benjamin Wist served as Dean of Teachers College from 1931 to 1948, then on the Board of Regents, which renamed the Teachers College Building Wist Hall in 1951.” “So, there are long historical roots going back to 1911 to consider in planning the future of Varney Circle.” * * *
“The circle is named for Ada Susan Varney, a highly regarded history teacher at the Territorial Normal and Training School (TNTS) from 1911 to 1930. Normal school students and graduates dedicated the fountain to her when she died in 1930.”
“DO NOT CLOSE OFF VC to traffic! The visitor parking there is absolutely essential. It’s an ideal place for shuttles to go! Where in the world would you reroute the shuttles to?? Only 1 concern: there’s a fair amount of foot traffic between QLC side of VC and McCarthy Mall. The most direct route goes thru the road where cars, etc drive. Cars are always going “In 1930 the TNTS moved from its previous location on very slowly, and I’ve never seen a dangerous incident after Lunalilo and Emerson streets to property owned by the many years, but it would be best to keep pedestrians out Territorial Department of Public Instruction that built a new of the street as much as possible. Yes, I know, there’s a building across University Ave from the University of Hawaii crosswalk just mauka of the circle, near Webster, but guess to house the Normal School and its students. The President what... I rarely use it. Esp if I am in a hurry (and usually of the TNTS from 1924 to 1931 was Benjamin Wist. That even when I’m not) I just cut across the street, being careful building is now known as Wist Hall.” of cars. You really can’t tell people not to do that... they will take the most direct route. The mall encourages this—it “In 1931 the Territorial Department of Public Instruction terminates right into the roadway. A way you could fix this transferred the land and the TNTS, including the new issue is to build a pedestrian underpass connecting the lower building with its faculty and students to the University of level of QLC with McCarthy Mall (and thus eliminating said Hawaii. The Normal School was merged with the newly termination). If such a tunnel existed,I would always use it created School of Education (1930) to become Teacher’s in my many travels between Saunders and McCarthy Mall. College, the fourth College at the University or Hawaii. Indeed it would be particularly hard to avoid it going back Benjamin Wist was named as Dean. Founders Arch was toward QLC/Saunders because the mall would flow naturally created at the Dole St entrance to the campus to symbolize into it.” this merger. The original arch was later replaced by two smaller arches when University Ave was widened. The photo below is the campus circa 1931.” “Teachers College continued to include K-8 students that became University Elementary School and later University Laboratory School. Initially, elementary classes were held in
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Appendix B: Our Campus Website
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Appendix C: Survey
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Varney Circle Survey
Varney Circle Survey The replacement of Snyder Hall on McCarthy Mall is among several significant projects of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Long Range Development Plan, which the Board of Regents approved last September. In place of the current Snyder Hall, on the same site, the university contemplates a new, sustainable, high-performance, multi-purpose building. Plans for this new facility create a unique opportunity to revisit the cultural and aesthetic significance of the surrounding landscape and open space, in particular Varney Circle and Fountain. Ada Susan Varney, for whom Varney Circle is named, was a popular teacher in the Territorial Normal and Training School, which merged with the Teachers College of the University of Hawaiʻi in 1931. Varney Fountain, at the center of the circle, is the work of Cornelia McIntyre Foley and Henry H. Remple, and was constructed in 1932. Varney Circle serves as a symbolic hub connecting the original UH Mānoa quad with McCarthy Mall, Campus Center, Hawaiʻi Hall, Fine Arts, and the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center. In concert with the UH Mānoa Campus Framework team and the UH Office of Project Delivery, the University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center (UHCDC) agreed to organize a focused, proof-of-concept “Design Tank” to help explore Varney Circle's full potential. Over the course of this two-day charrette, Design Tank participants—landscape architects, architects, urbanists, and built environment students—will explore new ideas, concepts, cultural connectedness, and images that help envision the future of this historically significant campus focal point. To strengthen this process, we need your input. We hope you’ll help shape the future of our campus by completing this brief survey on Varney Circle and Fountain and contributing your ideas. Your participation will both inform this "Design Tank" and guide future planning and design work surrounding this significant center of the UH Mānoa campus. Additional campus links and resources are available on our website platform ourcampus.manoa.hawaii.edu. * Required
1.
Email address *
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WGvKt3SzKNiE2L1nD5ol_HMBYIl6QVbWlcM3rKsZEhE/edit
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What is your affiliation to UH Mānoa? * Mark only one oval. Undergraduate student Graduate student TA/GA/RA/post-doc Staff/APT Full-time Faculty — (I, R, S, L, A) Part-time or visiting faculty (instructor, lecturer, etc.) Executive Management Alumni Visitor (no affiliation) Other
3.
How frequently do you pass by Varney Circle and Fountain? Select one. Mark only one oval. Daily Weekly Monthly Rarely Never been to Varney Circle and Fountain
4.
What time of day do you typically pass by Varney Circle and Fountain? Check all that apply. Check all that apply. Morning Afternoon Evening
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5.
Under what circumstance do you typically visit or pass by Varney Circle and Fountain? Mark only one oval. Walking to or from campus activities or meetings Parking my vehicle Visiting QLC or Hawai'i Hall Waiting for the campus shuttle Meeting with friend/co-workers Other:
6.
I usually pass by Varney Circle using the following mode(s) of transportation. Check all that apply. Check all that apply. walking, jogging, running riding my bicycle riding my skateboard or non-motorized scooter riding my motor scooter or moped riding my motorcycle driving my vehicle Other
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WGvKt3SzKNiE2L1nD5ol_HMBYIl6QVbWlcM3rKsZEhE/edit
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7.
Which of the following options would you most support for Varney Circle and Campus Road? Select one. (ADA & emergency vehicle access will be accommodated in all options). Mark only one oval. Only allow pedestrians and non-motorized wheeled vehicles Only allow pedestrians, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, mopeds, and motor scooters (no motorcycles, cars, or trucks) Maintain shared roadway by all, but remove parking to provide wider pedestrian and bike lanes Maintain shared roadway by all, keep as is.
8.
Of the following amenities, which would most improve your pedestrian experience around Varney Circle? Select three. Check all that apply. Improved lighting Improved landscape Improved signage Improved connectivity to surrounding buildings Wider sidewalks/walking areas Designated bike lanes Increased outdoor seating Shade trees Shade structure Water feature Other:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WGvKt3SzKNiE2L1nD5ol_HMBYIl6QVbWlcM3rKsZEhE/edit
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9.
If the university closed Campus Road to traffic and parking (except for emergency vehicles, accessibility, and deliveries) what kind of activities would you envision for the Varney Circle intersection? Select all that apply. Check all that apply. Large gatherings (assembly, student events, fairs, memorials, celebrations) Small gatherings (tour groups, study groups, outdoor meeting space) Sitting and talking Wayfinding Meeting point Picture taking Rest and relaxation Learning Other:
10.
Do you agree or disagree that sharing sidewalks with both two and four-wheeled modes of transportation (skateboards, bikes, motor scooters, golf carts) represents a risk to pedestrians? Mark only one oval. Strongly agree Somewhat agree Neither agree nor disagree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree
11.
Overall how much do you value Varney Circle and Fountain? Mark only one oval. Strongly value Somewhat value Do not value
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12.
Did you know how Varney Circle got its name? Mark only one oval. Yes No
13.
Which of the following best describes your attitude toward Varney Circle and Fountain? Choose up to three that apply. Check all that apply. I don't pay much attention to it I wonder why the fountain isn't working It's an eyesore I respect its historical significance I like using it as a meeting point I would like to see the fountain restored and reactivated I would like to see the fountain replaced by something more relevant
14.
What should this campus focal point symbolize?
Mahalo! Thank you for taking the time to participate in this survey. Please click the "SUBMIT" button when complete. To contribute more ideas we encourage you to visit the ourcampus.manoa.hawaii.edu "whiteboard" web page. You will need to register a new non-UH username and password to participate. Make up an anonymous username to protect your identity. Participation is voluntary. For questions or comments about this survey or the project, please email us at uhcdc@hawaii.edu.
This content is neither created nor endorsed by Google.
Forms
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WGvKt3SzKNiE2L1nD5ol_HMBYIl6QVbWlcM3rKsZEhE/edit
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Appendix D: What should this campus focal point symbolize? (all responses)
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1
As a central gathering place on campus
19
Respect for the university and the community. The current iteration caters only to cars.
Like Campus Center, this could be a central gathering place. UH Mānoa needs more central gathering places. And this is perfect for it.
2
The heart of the campus / wayfinding.
3
20
It could be the piko of campus. It could help unite the campus arboretum concept with shade trees and places to sit and enjoy being outdoors.
It should be more visually salient and pleasing. It represents an historic focal point at the heart of the historical origins of the campus
4
21
It should be a gathering space, open and inviting.
22
It should symbolize the campus connection to Hawaiʻi, the Native Hawaiian's and early voyagers, and the campus potential in the Pacific Region.
5
Functioning water
6
UH history
7
Should be a relaxing, stress-free meeting point as it is close to all major parts of campus.
23
Nature and the core values of UH.
8
A community commons where people can hang out for lunch and between classes, take a nice walk or run, or stretch out and read a book.
24
Home , welcoming to all walkers and vehicles
25
Central meeting, gathering place and history, facing the oldest campus building
9
A community meeting point that many locals remember seeing in action as a child
26
Aloha and Inclusivity for all, including accessible for people with disabilities
10
A connectivity between campus/ student life and the official buildings/offices
27
11
I think it would be good as a shuttle center with good shade and places to wait
The school itself, there’s no really area that you can take pictures or signs inside the campus that say University of Hawai’i at Mānoa
28
12
Shouldn't symbolize anything. Make it a parking structure. Nobody cares about history or beauty. I care about whether I get parking on campus
The campus focal point should have a large statue or art piece with Hawaiian cultural significance that compliments the beauty of QLC and Hawaiʻi Hall
29
Education—don't waste money on non-educational expenses. Just leave it as is.
30
The center of knowledge. The anchor. If the fountain can't simply be repaired and spruced up a pedestrian spot would be awesome.
31
Central meeting/gathering point
32
Native Hawaiian ecosystems A beautiful and restful place.
13
Hawaiʻi culture and heritage
14
Focus on historical or cultural information/learning of the area.
15
Since this is considered a focal point then the circle should have a statement. How UH is trying to be a more sustainable university display that.
16
Central place where folks would want to take pictures to quickly identify with UH.
33 34
Community, diversity and unity
17
A gathering place; like the island of Oahu itself. Please fix the fountain already, it has been far too long.
35
Something that represent UH Bows! I would love to see a rainbow crosswalk.
18
It should be a gathering place—right now, it serves as a node in transit, and one of the least pleasant parts of my walk to class
36
It could be a central, outdoor place for people to meet and gather. At present, it is a sun-scorched area that people hurry past.
37
A gathering place where people can meet to eat, talk, and study with one another.
38
Environmental sustainability
Varney Circle Design Tank
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Any final disposition of Varney Circle is premature without a decision on Campus Road.
56
History. It's one of the only places my dad remembers from back in the day. It would be upsetting to see gone.
University of Auckland has a lovely area for the Maori people. Something that pays homage to the heritage of the Hawaiian people & land, ocean, stars
40
57
Aloha & internationalism
41
It should symbolize pride in UH
58
An intersection of cultures and knowledge.
42
In tandem with Campus Center, it'd be great if it designates the center point of campus and becomes a landmark/large meeting place to supplement CC.
59
Should symbolize our school mascot: The Warrior
60
The diversity of Hawaiʻi
61
More than a broken fountain. I think vehicular traffic should be limited to shuttles only, not other cars, but that wasn't an option.
62
Hawaiian Cultural Heritage and Traditions
63
Inclusion and Diversity
64
The connection of how UH supports not just students on Oahu but is the State University for all islands. Connection
43
Educate the community meaningfully about what is meant by a Hawaiian place of learning
44
This should symbolize Hawaiʻi as a whole and also a place that shows Hawaiʻi’s culture to the students that attend UH.
45
Heart of UH
46
Respect to the Kanaka Maoli, designed and blessed by the native people themselves. Would love to see local art features, such as a statue or symbol
65
47
A safe and encouraging space for gathering between and after classes for both students and faculty to enjoy.
Hawaiʻi's flora (replace parked cars with native trees) and fauna, which rely on our fresh water (the fountain).
66
48
Varney Circle and the Mall corrider are neglected from trashcans to function. They should reflect the essential principles of the campus.
The university's commitment to being a Hawaiian place of learning and appreciation of the Kanaka Maoli culture.
67
49
It is not practical to shut down this busy area to traffic when even the ADA already have a hard time to access provided services.
Hawaiian signage throughout campus.. The circle as starting point for tours/etc and to be a place for HI learning we need to know about the place
68
Accessibility
69
Community
70
It could be used more of an asset for people to gather, connect or relax
71
Symbols that represent Native Hawaiian culture, nature and community.
72
A gathering space for both large and small groups.
73
Fountain of Knowledge--a work of art (include a fountain) that symbolizes the greatness of UH.
74
A structures that combines outdoors ambiance and is bright for students passing by for night classes
75
I imagine it to be an outdoor hub for gatherings that can showcase the beauty of going to school in Hawaiʻi, instead of Hawaiʻi Hall...
76
A shade structure, and a full coffee shop.
50
This an historically significant site: expertise of a female teacher and architect.
51
Kanaka ʻŌiwi survivance in a place that persists in attempting to remove us from campus
52
It should be a welcoming area for everyone since it's so centrally located between classes and resources.
53
Unity
54
Native Hawaiian culture and environmental biodiversity
55
It should symbolize the University as a Prestigious University and not be obstructed by vehicles and maybe added a statue of a warrior for addition.
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77
A fountain often symbolizes a source of knowledge or wisdom. A circle symbolizes a never ending cycle, perfection and inter-relatedness.
97
Problematic "tiki" motif on fountain should be replaced. VC should reflect the diverse colleges and departments that intersect it, esp. the arts.
78
The unity of students
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79
Unity
80
You folks should be looking at the area from Sinclair Library to Dean Hall and closing that off from traffic to promote greenspace and biking.
A great idea! It should be a place where people can congregate so it needs: shade, places to sit, etc. The road should def be pedestrian only!
99
81
The vast ways of traditional Hawaiian learning
That Hawaiʻi was conquered nation, but has still made a unique contribution to the nation that overthrew its government,
82
Gathering place, area to meet, relax, talk, traverse safely
100
Voyaging / Wayfinding / Sails / Canoe
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83
Let's have a little historical perspective. It is probably one of the more scenic areas on campus due to the lack of investment in other campus areas.
ADA Accessibility. I think it’s imperative to retain parking, especially handicap and guest parking as the campus currently does not have enough.
102
Learning and the history of UH The fountain should be restored to full operation. It serves as linking point between the old historic quad, the new bldgs & the Mall.
84
Crossing paths.
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85
Educate users about campus history, facilitate sustainable transportation options (bike, mopeds) over cars
104
The heritage of the University
105
It should symbolize how the university is transitioning to be more of a sustainable, ecofriendly campus.
86
It should represent the heart/mind of UH Mānoa/ Hawai'i. Native trees/plants w/ underground watering & signage could be installed w/ 2-3 benches.
87
Convert the fountain into a native Hawaiian wetland garden! Conserves water, beautifies the campus and serves as a learning tool with minimal altering
106
Native Hawaiian Place of Learning
107
Equity, diversity, and values from UH's Mission and Vision
88
Union, community and aloha
108
89
Unity of students, turn the fountain on, go bows
90
A working fountain should symbolize a working university
The fountain doesn't work and provides no functional purpose and has potential to be replaced with something that is functional rather than symbolic
91
Confusion: the rule of round-a-bouts. I have never seen a round-a-bout with stop sign inside the circle on this island, on the mainland or overseas.
109
A Hawaiian place of learning
110
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Friendly central point on the campus
Some sort of common ground shared not only by the students of the university, but by the people of the ʻaina.
93
As the focal point of campus, it should function as a place of community and gathering. Incorporating the mascot would help to create a sense of place
111
Progress with respect to the history and culture of the land.
112
Varney Circle should represent a meeting place with movable chairs, tables with shade, and native plantings representing Hawaiʻi's rich diversity.
113
A Hawaiian place of learning
114
Wai wai
94
The attitudes and values of both the institution and its student body
95
How historic the university is.
96
The piko (navel/bellybutton or center) of campus.
Varney Circle Design Tank
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High integrity, ethics, and morals in American Academic leadership (our American flag).
133
University mission, commitment to education, a space for students.
116
UH claims to be a "Hawaiian place of learning" but there is little evidence of it. Replace with a woman of color statue/fountain, preferably Hawaiian
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117
Green landscape and an area for informal meetings
The fountain is the work of a Hawaiʻi artist, Marguerite Louis Blasingame, who was also I believe Hawaiʻi's first female landscape architect. Protect it
118
Peace and equality
135
Gathering of cultures: food (trucks)!
119
A hub for all
136
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Like how Oahu is know to be as a gathering place, the circle should symbolize as such. The voice of the UHM alum will be amplified thru this platform
Direction towards important buildings and resources, hope, aloha, and Hawaiian culture and history
137
121
Piko...the navel
I would like this space to honor the Hawaiian host culture, especially if UHM is serious about becoming a Hawaiian Place of Learning.
122
A community commons where people can hang out for lunch and between classes, take a nice walk or run, or stretch out and read a book.
138
Entrance to UH Mānoa. Show school spirit and traditions
139
Something to do with the history of it, I guess. I don't know the history, myself.
140
Symbolize importance of education. Its very iconic, but dangerous due to the many cars and vehicles.
141
Maybe the whole concept of a circle needs to be rethought—how about all pedestrian
142
A social gathering point with flexibility. Food trucks, outdoor seating with shade, a place to have outdoor classes.
143
The diversity and unification amongst Hawai'i
144
If it's supposed to be a focal point, then make it one. It certainly isn't now. I tell people about it and many have no idea what or where it is.
145
Balance between the natural environment and people
146
A shared space for gathering of faculty, staff, and students. Would like to see this as a gathering place for interaction. Maybe even incl food-truck
147
If Varney Circle is meant to be the focal point of the campus, it should symbolize the university's core values/mission (a place of Hawaiian learning)
148
UH@M history
149
A commitment to higher education that does not include appropriation of funds for merely cosmetic purposes
123
Right now, it's not seen by many as a "campus focal point." First thing to do, then, is get that idea into people's heads, seems to me.
124
Older faculty like me NEED to be able these parking spots to access buildings in order to teach. We all don't have bikes or skateboards. Thank you.
125
The student body
126
Unity/Diversity
127
Cultural diversification
128
Native Hawaiian history and culture. Please pay more respect to pre-colonization Hawaiʻi and eliminate anything that honors colonization.
129
A "Speaker’s Corner"/public forum type space here would be great. A gathering place. Recognize Liliʻuokalani and/or specificity of this ʻāina, too.
130
A sundial mosaic would be unique and could also be educational about Hawaiian culture. Also, make the area more pedestrian friendly (crosswalks)
131
A Hawaiian place of learning. It should honor the host culture and promote Hawaiian culture.
132
I don't need it to symbolize anything, I just want it to be a nice place to be. I had no idea it had any historical significance.
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Keep water structure, restore water flow, build lo'i around with shade trees. Need to keep vehicular access for shuttles and parking but can narrow.
170
Respect of historical figure of Susan Varney is respect of education and dedicated faculty and staff. Restoring it would provide a lively social space
151
Center of campus
171
It is a our front door
152
Togetherness
172
153
UH tradition and pride
154
Mānoa spirit and history
155
ADD A STONEHENGE TYPE OF CIRCLE...WHICH IS ASTRONOMICALLY CORRECT
The restored fountain should link the vital importance of "wai"/life-giving water with the lifeinspiring, creative work of teaching, research & studying
173
156
I would like the focus to be more on Native Hawaiian culture and place. It could be a place that emphasizes the importance and value of the land.
Historical focus but maybe make the outer circle smaller so sidewalk can be widened.
174
Unity of all cultures.
175
A pivot point for connectivity within and beyond the campus
176
Queen Liliuokalani
177
The essence of UHM
178
Center of campus, with water feature symbolizing flow of ideas, innovation, inclusive thoughts to the future.
179
Iconic Image
180
A place to meet up and hangout
181
A blend of Hawaiian cultural elements with "modern" concepts of increased pedestrian usage bike usage & a gathering place but please keep the shuttle
157
The center of higher education
158
That UH Mānoa is the FLAGSHIP campus of the UH system. Symbolizing the crossroads (intersection) of the Pacific, meeting place for all cultures.
159
A moment to be proud that we teach/learn and are a part of this campus. Innovation, forward thinking.
160
A gathering/meeting place
161
N/A
162
Hawaiʻi and the gathering of people with respect and aloha. It currently does not serve any level of honor for what it was initially set up for.
163
It should symbolize our what makes us unique as the University of Hawaiʻi—our people, our sense of place. I agree it would be nice to have a focal p
182
Unity and diversity
183
Oh
164
History and connection to ʻaina
184
The illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
165
As it symbolically represents the meeting and transition from "old" Mānoa to "new" it could symbolize both our past and present.
185
A gathering point for students to meet and share their experiences
186
It should be rededicated to Emma Nakuina, who grew up there, who also worked @ the Terr. Normal School, and whose son was the 1st Hawaiian language Kumu @ UH.
187
Peace,Tranquility, Hawai'i Zen
188
I think it should symbolize a student body. I always felt that Varney should be a gathering point where students read and gather like a Berkley campus
166
167
ʻOhana and growing together
168
IF the fountain worked (if the grass were green, etc.), It could be a better place. IF we want UHM to be a “Hawaiian” place perhaps a focus on kalo.
189
Pride in our school/history
Our campus—UH Mānoa
190
The prestige and beauty of our great school.
191
Coming together with a diverse population
169
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As a newer student I would like to see more emphasis on a sense of ʻohana everywhere you go. This area is next to QLC and should be welcoming for tours
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The hub of campus and a way finding type area to help people know where to go and be a small area to take a short break or talk with friends.
212
Diversity, Accessibility, Hawaiiana
213
The easy flow of good water, which was the basis of the original agriculture of Mānoa. Now, the activity of the campus.
193
A cultural art piece created by a local artist
194
?
214
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A place where first-timers go first, acknowledge the history of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiian people, and set their intention of why they are visiting campus
Do not change it. It is historically important. It is also significant to the Varsity Victory Volunteers.
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A community meeting point that many locals remember seeing in action as a child
It should symbolize something functioning. A "fountain w/no water" is how we describe Varney cir. as a landmark to visitors. Seating w/a lot of shade.
216
Shady spot to rest and talk.
197
Developing a stronger on-campus community, since UH lacks that as a commuter school
217
198
Openness and natural light
Designated site used when describing the location of how to get to a close by location;significant & attractive site of importance to campus history
199
A meeting place, a gathering place, but the way it looks now is just not that. There should be no car parking & traffic allowed, need lots more shade
218
Unity
219
200
It should represent the mission of the University of Hawaiʻi at the cultural diversity we truly value.
Its dedication to the land the school is built upon and the stories and lineage connected to it. Make this campus a true Hawaiian place of learning
220
Unity
201
A Hawaiian place of learning and self-sustainability. Replacing the unused fountain with a native Hawaiian plant/tree would signify that connection.
221
Green space—too much vehicular traffic at times in this area
202
While CC symbolizes campus life, VC should represent UHM's student services and representation being near HH and QLC
222
The history of the UH campus
223
To showcase the history and culture of the site as well as the surrounding buildings
203
An informational and direction point for visitors and students
224
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It doesn't have to "symbolize" anything. It is one of the two main centers of campus (the other being the Quad) and should not look neglected.
I think Varney Circle has a lot of potential to have a place for students to meet, hangout, study, like a big lawn where you can sit and enjoy lunch
225
Unity
226
Varney Circle can be a landmark for the UH Mānoa campus or seating/waiting spot for students who takes the shuttle.
227
Besides CC, it is I believe to be the secondary center of campus. New students will also usually see this area for the first time visiting QLC
228
The campus and its history/heritage.
229
In a word: Us. Varney Circle should be the gathering place for UH Mānoa.
205
Functionality & practicality! Plant trees for more shade with walking stones similar to Campus Center courtyard.
206
Aloha and diversity.
207
Forward
208
Dialogue
209
ʻOhana and learning
210
Togetherness with aloha
230
Togetherness
211
Honor the Hawaiian people and their strength to still offer aloha after years of continued colonial abuse
231
It should be the heart of campus.
281
282
232
Hawaiian culture and respect for nature. An area to enjoy outdoor landscape and time for renewal.
254
Native Hawaiian Place of Learning
233
Diversity and vitality of the UH community
255
ALOHA
234
A photo op place for graduates to take a memorable last picture on their special day and a symbol that reflects our love for our campus as our home.
256
ALOHA
257
Connection with the Hawaiian culture
258
A gathering place. It should be renamed with a name meaningful to the Hawaiian people
259
Native Hawaiian's and Hawaiian culture
260
Native Hawaiian heritage, land, and culture.
261
Our place in the world and Hawaiian culture
262
Climate Change
263
The deeper history of the campus—there were Hawaiian families who were removed from this location so that the University buildings could be built. In order for our campus and community to heal from these ancestral traumas (which affect both the oppressed and the oppressor), we must tell the truth about our complex histories so that we can acknowledge each others' humanity and begin our own healing, so that we may individually & collectively transform and call forth (k)new futures founded in mutual respect, trust and forgiveness. Mānoa Valley was once an abundant, fertile socioecological landscape in which generations of families lived, laughed, loved and cared for the natural resources of this place. The campus can and should reflect the richness of this history, so that we can call forth these ways of being, doing and thinking in contemporary times to rise to the complex challenges of climate disruption which continue to accelerate towards all of our families.
235
Gathering place
236
Varney circle, the rainbow shuttle is important so keep the drop off and pick up points there
237
Minority Circle
238
A uni's mission is to ed for a sustainable liberated future. So an "Ed for Revolution" stage w/ lawn, walls w/ quotes on ed from Q. Lili, Freire, etc.
239
A statue of a Native Hawaiian educator.
240
Peace
241
It's part of the history of UHM
242
The hope of our UH student body
243
A Hawaiian Place of Learning
244
Hawaii
245
An entry to the main campus and a meeting place
246
Gathering place
247
The connection between the business school, QLC, and the rest of campus
248
Native Hawaiian Learning/Symbol of Hawaii/Equality for all
249
Fountain
250
Susan Varney’s impact to UH Mānoa and the importance of water.
251
Democracy, free speech, justice, critical thinking, Kanaka values (see specific suggestions above re: ed. for rev. stage)
252
A place for meeting and community.
253
Celebrate UH history and Hawaiian Place of Learning. QLC has the Hawaiian student center right at the front of the building; plus this area is widely viewed/passed through by many people. Would be great for UH to consult locals, indigenous, and Hawaiʻi students faculty/students as to what they would like this area to symbolize.
Varney Circle Design Tank
264
265
266
First of all, I wonder what the fountain represents and what its story is. I imagine that given the significance of water to the area in general that there is some significance. I also believe that considering the fact that I personally consider QLCSS as the "piko" of the campus that there should be some thought put into how the Varney Circle and the fountain bring the university's community together. I would like to see the area utilized to serve as a center, it is difficult to imagine how we as individuals would function in life and our work if we knew not where our own personal piko was located to bring balance and ground us. With this being said, I do not understand why the university has not taken the opportunity thus far to establish a "campus piko" in order to bring some balance and grounding to our university community. I would even be as bold as to say that establishing a piko, and even more particularly one connected to water, would serve in many ways as a conduit for greater cohesion and connectivity between all university community members—very similar to the way that the waterways in Mānoa serve as the life giving blood of area that UH Mānoa occupies. E ola ʻo Mānoa i ka wai a ke akua. I would love to see it transformed to an outdoor performance and learning space. It could be used for Hālau Hula, performances of all kids, rallies, lectures, etc. Hawaiian history. Replace it with a statue and more grass like a mini park.
267
Diversity, Inclusive Community,
268
Gathering, meeting, coming together. Let's also rename it to signify a person who has uplifted the marginalized and colonized of Hawai'i.
269
Aloha
270
Refreshment
271
Our diverse backgrounds/culture and how we are able to unite as one
272
The center (piko) of the campus.
273
Queen Liliuokalani
274
Idk just make it look pretty so we can actually be proud of something from UHM
275
Indigenous learning
276
UH History
277
A proud image of the University. Because of its location, in front of QLC and Hawaiʻi hall as well as directly down the line of sight of McCarthy mall, the fountain is one of the most notable parts of campus to newcomers as well as students.
278
A meeting place of all intellects
279
A gathering place. I would love to see the fountain running. Would definitely brighten up the campus!
280
A renewed visual center for what is a haphazard and often ugly—sorry, true—campus. One-third of the buildings should be replaced, with a keen eye toward vistas.
281
Gosh, I dunno. I just want to skate.
282
Peace/tranquility, equality
283
More of a campus identity. Some kind of monument that people are proud of.
284
Community
285
Inclusion, shared space, respect
286
The history of this campus, the beauty of Hawaiʻi (with planted native species of plants) and a place for community.
287
Campus history, Mānoa sense of place
288
The center of Campus
289
Our commitment to environmental sustainability
290
Connections between people on campus to form a larger community
291
Diversity and nature.
292
Just follow the master plan.
293
The cultural significance of Mānoa Valley
294
The fountain of knowledge.
283
295
296
284
I just want to say that I have personally been HIT by skateboarders three times. In one case, I called security. I have been injured and am fearful when they zoom by. As far as Varney Circle itself, close the area to traffic (including mopeds and skateboards) and make it a place that modest-sized groups can meet. Perhaps space for some outdoor classes, especially with our current public health situation. The quad area does not really afford "hanging out" but perhaps this reimagined space can do so. WATER IS LIFE and an acknowledgement of the damaging, racist, capitalist destruction that has been wrought upon the Hawaiian people, islands and immigrant populations in the name of "science and development" that is the history of this institution. This should come with an official ceremony of apology and turning over of administrative power to Hawaiian leaders. The entire space should be restored with native plants and should be a centerpoint for Indigenous learning, knowledge, and cosmology for all of the Pacific. This space needs to be decolonized and actually returned to the Hawaiian people, along with the rest of the University land, with the commitment to continue to do research under the guidance and leadership of native people. May it be so.
297
UH
298
The heart of the campus and its mission
299
Equity, Togetherness, and the Mānoa ʻOhana
300
Education, scholarly pursuit, of course
301
Tranquility
302
It would be nice if it could serve as a welcome to campus
303
Recognition of kanaka maoli and Pacific islander existence.
304
Center of Intellectual Pacific: with waypoints around campus connected back to the center.
305
Doesn't have to symbolize anything.
306
Landscaping and nature
Varney Circle Design Tank
307
The history of the island and the culture
308
Since it is in front of an important building for student guidance, transcripts, and finances, it should symbolize the students' journey at UH.
309
Symbolize the link between the original campus, QLC, McCarthy Mall, and Campus Center
310
Unity
311
A source of community and relevance to education and those that are dedicating their time and money to push themselves and improve themselves.
312
I feel that we should acknowledge Alice Ball with a statue and larger plaque, maybe make the theme relevant to women in academia, including Varney.
313
Welcoming of people of all background
314
Hawaiian imagery, plants, cultural value
315
Aloha ʻĀina. Help this central, connecting physical space represent the values and culture of Native Hawaiians. Go ask them, please. It's their land, anyway.
316
Hawaiʻi's reverence for water, waʻi
317
A welcome point as it is close to QLC services and campus center. A centralized point to symbolize what UH Mānoa is about and the culture in Hawaii.
318
Peace
319
Unity
320
Aloha ʻĀina
321
Something that represents the Mānoa valley.
322
I think this campus focal point should symbolize everything UH Mānoa has to offer along with reflecting its' students, history, and staff.
323
Its just a good intersection for people and a good parking spot for visitors who have to go to QLC
324
It's always too hot out there.
325
Peace and respect for diversity
326
A meeting place
327
Education
328
329
I believe the overall issue is the budget being used for the reconstruction of Varney Circle. COVID-19 caused us all, including UHM, to cut their budget almost in half. I believe we should not be thinking of reconstructing Varney Circle but put that money towards existing facility projects and student needs. The reconstruction of Varney Circle is nothing more than UH Mānoa using their budget for an irrelevant project that is supposed to make the campus look better. There are much better ways we can utilized the money allotted for this project to help repair buildings with mold, update classrooms students use, and update the facilities that have building fixes long overdue. Please reconsider the Varney Circle project by using that money for the project to help students. Reconstructing Varney Circle is not one of them. Campus should focus on paying respect to the Native Hawaiian people whose land was stolen to build the university.
330
Unity
331
A gathering place
332
Interdependence, a place much like campus center. So many people walk through Varney Circle and just look down or straight ahead, they never linger around or just sit and observe the surroundings because there is nothing there.
333
A higher place of learning
334
It's a shame that when this fountain was "restored" around 2002-03, the fountain didn't work after about a week of use. Some, like me, pointed out the weakness of the pumping system during construction, but the construction managers were on their high horse. It was quite a waste of $105,000 to renovate the fountain but not have it working. UH loves to throw its money away: such as legacy path ($750,000), marble "gravestones" at campus entrance ($50,000).
335
I don’t really care about the symbolism, but it should be something like a Hawaiian “piazza”, a gathering place that evokes community.
336
It's a chance to uplift female contributions to education and research; I think it should be a gathering spot for people (not cars)
337
A green space where students and employees can gather and enjoy the outdoors
338
Hawaii
339
Connectivity, education, history
340
A piko for this Hawaiian place of learning
341
Hawaiʻi and it's native people
342
Center of campus—water feature is a good idea. Light it up at night. Maintain cultural significance
343
A place to gather whether that is holding events, studying, meeting friends etc.
344
Life (water feature), time/connection (circle)
345
A recognizable outdoor meeting point and recreational area.
346
The heart of the university
347
Modern functionality. It should provide parking space for vehicles which will enable easy access to the facilities in the area.
348
Unsure
349
It would be a great point of reference and meeting spot.
350
The unique heritage of a flagship university in Hawaii
351
Unity and inclusion
352
A safe space for students
353
Native Hawaiian culture.
354
Openness
355
The dedication to serve Hawaiians and preserve Hawaiian culture.
356
I think it should symbolize a meeting point and hub for campus activities and walking through. It must not have any cars and should be pedestrian / bike / moped only for that to be an option. Bikes and Mopeds should have their own lanes within the pedestrian area.
285
286
357
I feel like this survey was difficult to answer without knowing the different visions for the space. I value space to gather and walk but I also value the shuttle system and the drop off/pick up point there.
374
I think the focal point needs to balance respect for culture/history with respect for current student needs. The fountain is nice, but even assuming a water recirculation setup, a large surface area fountain in a hot climate wastes lots of water to evaporation. There are likely better ways to respect Ms. Varney while allocating potential facility costs to more urgent needs and sustaining our ʻĀina. She was a teacher, so why not create a space learning and gathering that can help support our campus and community? Regarding the balance of pedestrian versus vehicle traffic, I think we can maintain both if everyone behaves considerately. I have not been to campus since March and cannot recall having issues with the way parking and sidewalks are currently arranged, but I know I've been frustrated as a pedestrian with drivers not paying attention and frustrated as a driver with pedestrians not using sidewalks or taking turns yielding to traffic. If it comes down to neither side improving their behavior, then I’d support pedestrian use only.
358
Celebrate Native Hawaiians and the cultural resurgence we are seeing today (e.g., the Kiaʻi on the Mauna)
359
A meeting space
360
Inclusivity at UH Mānoa—it should feature art (sculpture, bench mosaics, other) that celebrates diversity.
361
The merging of major circulation paths of campus into a node that caters to student interaction with one another and the space itself.
362
Either fix it or remove it completely.
363
UH needs a symbol or location that all student can associate with. Other colleges have symbols that they walk by or touch when they start school or graduate. It would be great to have a place like that at UH.
364 365
Tranquility and respite.
375
Beauty. Scenery. Historical significance
Connection with the landscape
376
The history and alumni of the campus
366
Unity
377
Nature and serenity
367
As a center point it should reflect Hawaii's multiculture presence and heritage
378
Meeting Spot (cause I haven't learned the meaning of it)
368
The history of the UH and the unity of faculty, staff and students to make UH a place of learning.
379
369
Mānoa valley and learning
370
A gathering place. Closures could occur for special events, with thru traffic otherwise. If full traffic closure is permanent, where would UH shuttle bus service move to? And how people with disabilities being driven to campus/dropped off get to the buildings without other road access other than Campus Road?
Movement and rejuvenation. This is what water and water features mean to me. Love the landscaping at UH an we have plenty of walking and sitting green space already. I think reviving or re-imagining this fountain as a functional water feature would be nice since I love the look and sound of flowing water.
380
The natural beauty of the valley and the community that is built here among students and faculty
381
No opinion
382
Connection. It's a hub for all stakeholders (students, staff, faculty, etc.)
371
School/island pride
372
How we are all human and we should all be able to love and respect one another.
383
People coming together from diverse points on campus
373
Historic focus to tie together disparate campus elements
384
Center of Mānoa campus
Varney Circle Design Tank
385
An activity node/marker. Its a central place on campus, used as a reference point.
403
The beauty of the Hawaiian Culture
386
Landmark Structure at UH with Hawaiʻi Hall
404
Love of learning and teaching
387
History and beauty
405
388
I know that protests have been held here in the past and it should continue to be used and held as a space for this sort of representation. It historical significance should be brought to light, and given to the students. It should have been given in this survey and then the students asked for their opinions of what to do with the space. That would have been a better survey. Giving the students ALL the information to make a decision before just asking them what they want to do with only some of the information. Seems manipulative like there is an agenda. Like the University already knows what they want and are going to do with the space and are just putting this out to make it seem like the students had some say.
The heart of UH Mānoa. It's a big intersection for people trying move through campus. It's also very close to the admin building and student services. Plus, when prospective families leave for tours, they usually begin at admissions, so wouldn't it be neat to have something beautiful and photographable that symbolizes UH Mānoa as a community and institution of learning right at the start?
406
It should symbolize and embody Native Hawaiian traditions and values.
407
Academic and Cultural Diversity
408
Navigation
409
I have often referred to varney circle as the primary reference point to students and visitors to the campus. I was aware of the history behind the foundation, but it is one of the few iconic things that all alumni remember about the campus.
410
Hawaiian culture and traditions
411
Connectivity of the campus like a “UH MĀNOA capital”.
412
Community
413
Heart of campus
414
Native Hawaiian culture and History—would like a water feature or hangout space with shade
415
UHM's circle of life or history
416
It should symbolize the enriched history that connects our current campus to the past and a place where people can come together and make connect.
417
The overflow of Aloha to all
418
Ease of student commute and the strength of the warriors, not a space for painted pavement and frivolities.
419
The history of the Mānoa campus as symbolized by Ada Varney.
420
The history of our campus.
421
Uh Mānoa
422
Recenter on Hawaiian lands and people
389
Unity and the Aloha spirit
390
I think it should symbolize students coming together and sharing ideas, without having to worry about getting ran over by mopeds. I almost got hit like two or three times and it's super distracting and unsettling.
391
Melting pot of ideas, people
392
Don't change it
393
Inclusion/equality, sustainability
394
Uniqueness of Hawai'i, native plant life, importance of natural legacy
395
Mānoa: a Hawaiian sense of place
396
The spirit of UH Mānoa
397
A vibrant student and faculty community gathering point (currently represented by seating outside Starbucks).
398
People, not a road
399
Connectedness
400
The fountain is a symbol of refreshment and renewal
401
GLOBAL education: map, compass, sundial,
402
Don't know what or where it is.
287
288
423
Hawaiʻi's Diverse History and Future
436
The universities commitment to Hawaiian Culture and Aloha ʻĀina.
424
Something significant about Mānoa Valley
425
Something not derelict.
437
Roots to what Mānoa campus was before
438
426
Harmony
Welcoming visitors
427
The campus needs a core.
439
Teaching as a noble profession.
It almost seems like a central point on campus, but it is not campus center. I see it as a transportation hub. The Rainbow shuttle uses it as a pick-up/ drop-off spot, students, faculty, staff, and visitors also use it as a "station" or stop I don't think there's a problem keeping it that way, because there's not a lot of other places along Maile Way or East West Road that allow for that. At the same time I have felt neglected as a pedestrian, but I also believe it's the responsibility of pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and boarders to look out for themselves and each other. I often feel like those who bike/ board don't really care about pedestrians or they are impatient or feel like they own the pathways around campus. Last summer I spent nearly every day on campus because I was enrolled in summer session online, but I would use the libraries to study and do work, but whenever I was walking outside there were multiple occasions when I had near misses, where I almost got hit, there was not sort of signal. I usually try to look behind periodically, but even turning a corner. Sometimes I'm crossing and they don't even slow down.
440
428
Core values of UH Mānoa
441
Sustained Knowledge and Learning
442
The local community
443
Doesn’t have to symbolize anything; it can just be a thing of beauty (like Krauss Hall)
444
Beauty, tranquility a fusion of the cultures of the Pacific ring—a place where students, faculty, staff and visitors can sit and relax and enjoy the water fountain. It should be moved because that is not possible with the traffic and that's why I propose that it be moved, reconstructed elsewhere so that it can function as a focal point and place to enjoy. Normally, fountains are in places where the pedestrians can enjoy it. Drivers can't be looking at the fountain and drive around it without endangering pedestrians. Fix this situation by moving it or reconstructing it or building a new fountain where it is safe and utilized to its full potential.
445
N/A
446
The history of the campus welcoming new generations
447
The life of UH Mānoa Campus
429
Community and a place to gather, study, and rest.
448
Islands
430
A location on campus where members feel more connected to the University, visually represented by something that encompasses the values and mission of Mānoa.
449
Dedication to Hawaiian people and scholarship
450
Unity and strength, everlasting/ timeless
451
A metal/iron Lo'i (rustic green)
452
Agora—a meeting place
453
Water coming out of the fountain
454
Hawaiiana
455
It is a connection between areas of campus. It is a roundabout that moves traffic along. It’s a very effective hub for shuttle transportation.
431
A Hawaiian Place of Learning
432
A lively meeting place, with no cars!
433
A space for the campus community to learn and engage with each other.
434
Making it the heart of campus
435
One of the original spaces of the university in the early 1900s
Varney Circle Design Tank
456
Varney circle shouldn't be a circle. It's not hightraffic, so not needed. Could have a much smaller turning space for the shuttle. Narrow the road. The huge road overwhelms everything. Pedestrians walk everywhere, there is no coherent structure.
457
UH Mānoa's unique position in the Pacific Rim
458
Hawaiiana
459
Hawaiian host culture
460
Hawaiian place names, seek out advice from caretakers of Mānoa to reincorporate historical information and land uses
461
UH community and history
462
Meeting in the center 'heart' of Campus
463
Whatever the University believes it stands for and the people it represents.
464
Inclusive meeting place
465
Not sure
466
It should symbolize a place of gathering for students
467
Connections with others
468
The start to new beginnings
469
New beauty
470
I think the history of it should be maintained, so I wouldn't introduce any new symbolism to it.
471
What IS the history of the fountain, and how did it get so neglected? The focal point of the campus are the PEOPLE. Build and design for the PEOPLE.
472
An important part of UH
473
Education for truth, advocacy, and liberation
474
Sustainability
475
A peaceful center to a university campus
476
Indigenous agency and connections to place
477
Beauty.
478
Hawaiian historical figure (maybe a Queen Liliuokalani Statue)
479
Alternative transport
480
I would like to see a modern sculpture, a fountain and a place for meeting
481
A place for people to come together
482
Beauty of campus/historic significance
483
Peace
484
Kūlia I Ka Nui and Social Justice for all
485
I think the focal point should be campus center where more people congregate
486
It would be lovely to have something that represents Hawaiian ways of learning and Aloha ʻĀina.
487
Aloha
488
Respect and care for historical architecture on campus
489
Historical Varney Circle: Ada Susan Varney cultural connectedness, and images that help envision the future of this historically significant campus focal point. A sense of identity with the UH Mānoa.
490
Truth, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding
491
Connections, unity
492
The intersection of Hawaiʻi Hall, QLC, and The Mall
493
A place to always remember the indigenous people and land we occupy at UH Mānoa. It should be a symbol of honor and respect for native people, the land, and sacred place for learning
494
People coming together and relaxing or studying.
495
As someone who happened to research the historical meaning of the fountain, I strongly recommend the university keep the original symbolism of what Ms. Varney stood for—a good educator and a deeply-respected teacher; and what Ms Varney's students intent was—a place to connect students and teachers, to meet people and inspire one another, to appreciate good teaching and good learning.
496
I like the history and think the new thing should symbolize a respect for teacher education and the environment
289
497
An area where all campus members can meet, relax, study, etc. Plenty of seating, shading, and representative GOOD landscaping representative of a campus arboretum is a must. One of the negative aspect of the UHM campus is that there is very little outdoors seating. Having lots of seating would highly improve campus connectivity and atmosphere.
498
Hawaiian Place of Learning
499
Unity
500
Equity, Unity
501
Respect for Hawaiian culture and history
502
For starters, it should be renamed to honor the people that this land was occupied by before it was taken from them. This is a perfect opportunity to put muscle to words in advancing our mission to be a native Hawaiian serving institution. A good start to that is to better understand, and honor, its true history. As a logical "piko" for campus, this should also be a piko for Aloha ʻĀina.
503
Unity
504
UHM and aloha
505
Not sure.
506
The heart of the campus.
507
Up to date or restored Historical Features
508
Community
509
Where all cultures across the globe meet, congregate, share meals, stories, educate, free speech
510
A relaxing meeting area
511
A piko of the campus
512
Hawaiian History, not the colonial narrative.
513
Mānoa as a gathering place.
514
Unity, Introspection, Culture, Celebration
515
Central campus meeting point with historical significance
516
Aloha 'ʻĀina
517
290
518
Native Hawaiian culture and the people of Hawaii
519
Inclusivity, environmental and cultural awareness
Varney Circle Design Tank
520
The Student Body and the History of the School
521
Gathering place / uniting , learning, Hawaiʻi,
522
Unity
523
The encounter, merging, coexistence of cultures. Mutual respect.
524
The history of the schools connection to the island
525
Campus center and starting point for exploring campus
526
It is significant historically and could be aesthetically renewed
527
The flow of knowledge from Kūpuna like Ada Susan Varney to students..
528
I went to UHM and this is a symbol of why I chose to attend UH, continue to take courses, and work for UH. It is important to have a symbol that allows us to reflect on where we came from before we can move forward. Too many people want new and renovated and do not take time to understand what we currently have.
529
Could it somehow be turned into something sustainable or for food security? There are already ʻulu trees nearby that are never harvested. Why not use the water feature to feed a larger network of food producing plants and trees and harvest and use for dining hall, farmers markets, or food banks.
530
Interconnectedness
531
It should symbolize something in regards to the schools diversity, especially given current national affairs surrounding racial inequality.
532
Unity within the UH Mānoa campus.
533
Beautiful landscaped space that shows that UH pays attention to the benefits of having a beautiful campus
534
Gathering place, place of rest
535
Shade
536
Its connections to the quad on one side and McCarthy Mall should be enhanced through better design
537
It should symbolize not only the University of Hawai’i, but Mānoa, Hawai’i, and the historical background that brought UH to where it is today.
538
A beacon of peacefulness
539
Historical origins
540
Being that the circle is near the student services building, I would keep the shuttle stop and love the circle when it celebrates current events, memorial day flags, or communicates things going on around campus.
541
The prestige and history of education and UH
542
Connection to the land and each other
543
QLC and resources
544
EARLY RECOGNITION OF WOMEN'S CONTRIBUTIONS
545
This is a campus focal point? Why? What are we going to do there?
546
A comfortable space where students can interact with one another and learn about a piece of historical significance on campus
547
Gathering, mingling, social interaction. In general, we have few (or no) places where people can gather for community discussion, outdoor speeches, etc. It would be nice to close that part of campus off, create shaded areas where people can gather, and one central location from which people can speak. It would be nice if the whole thing were grasscovered—a wide, open lawn, with some places for shade.
548
Either a meeting center for students or restore and maintain its current function as a traffic roundabout and just remove the parking.
549
Togetherness
550
Hawaiian Culture, anti-racism, anti-sexism, anti-hate in all its forms.
551
This place and its people.
552
Another gathering area
553
I feel like it just needs to be more aesthetically pleasing if it is going to remain a part of campus.
554
Mālama ʻāina, a Hawaiian place of learning!
555
I wanted to choose the second option for the question about allowing pedestrians and bicycles and skateboards on the roads... but you said mopeds and motorscooters would be allowed, but not motorcycles? In my experience in Honolulu, moped and motorscooter operators are vastly less aware or their surroundings and more of a hazard to pedestrians than motorcycles. If anything, mopeds need to be banned from campus, but motorcycles should retain their permissions.
556
Easy meeting point
557
A gathering place
558
Aloha ‘āina
559
I think it should be a garden of native plants and be a meeting place. As opposed to a fountain a garden can not only be beautiful and a place for people to talk, relax, and meet. But also remind everyone of where we are and the Hawaiian values that are part of this university and everyone that comes here
560
Campus Center; and reasons for students to stay around and be more involved on campus
561
Hawaiʻi as a diverse place of many people and cultures
562
Unity
291
563
564
The first time I visited the campus, I parked at Varney Circle. It's a great starting point to explore the campus for the first time. I encourage the decision makers to consider the perspective of prospective members of the UH Mānoa community.
565
Something big and neat.
566
Connection with the land
567
Peace
568
Water is at the center of everything.
569
Unity
570
A gathering place
571
A commitment to Hawaiʻi and its people. I would personally like to see a nice garden of fruit trees with other herbs or edible plants that throughout the day and all throughout the year students and faculty can pick a small fruit or snack to eat on the way to class or while walking through. It would show a commitment to sustainability and a real life way that UH can give back to its community.
572
292
Varney Circle should live up to its name and historical significance by honoring all educators (and subsequently their students—who evolve into alumni). This should be a focal point landmark that goes back to the roots of its original intent: to symbolize a beacon of light, hope and knowledge thru flowing water and tiki flames (abundance, illumination; nurturing source that celebrates lifelong learning and spirit of aloha). It would be nice to see the fountain lit up in the colors of our mascot rainbow that could visible both from the ground and from the sky. Every great campus has a famous, picturesque landmark with a unique distinction and high-profile signage. This should be our signature piece! We could find a sustainable method of lighting up the fountain with solar powered garden LED lights (perhaps in the shape of tikis with simulated flames...with large letters UH…or just H…)a great symbol that lights up at night from an aerial view to honor all teachers and those who search for knowledge.
A welcoming, gathering spot
Varney Circle Design Tank
573
Hawai'i History and Culture, Campus History
574
The center of UH campus... right now it feels cutoff from everything by virtue of being turned into a haphazard roundabout
575
Peace, Acceptance, Diversity, Calm
576
The campus center/heart of campus. I like the meeting point idea with more shade from trees. Having a walkway connection would be helpful instead of an island.
577
Commitment to student welfare and advancing Aloha 'āina in practice (not just in name as is currently done: don't police Hawaiian protesters obviously)
578
Nothing. Not everything needs to be a symbol. Stop being so dramatic. Drama is a waste of resources.
579
Center of Excellence (Tropical Agriculture, Technology, East-West Culture, etc)
580
Nothing, it should be removed.
581
If the current fountain is taken away I’d like to see a water feature of some kind with Queen Liliuokalani bring that the QLC building is named after her.
582
Green initiatives: add EV charging, put in a shade structure with solar panels, if not restoring the fountain to use gray water, make it into a bog/water garden
583
As a major node on the broader system of campus connectivity, the circle should bring people together and connect and extend the functions and programs of the surrounding buildings and learning environments
584
Diversity
585
Hawaiian culture!! You are in Hawaii!!!!!
586
Unity
587
Keep it the current symbolization as tradition.
588
More parking for grad students who contribute more in tuition per student than undergrads but are provided little to no opportunities for commuting and parking on campus.
589
The decolonization of our campus
590
Preservation of historical and attractive campus structures and features
591
Convergence of academic and social activities.
592
Good vibes
593
Unity
594
A melting pot of cultures with respect to the Hawaiian culture.
595
History
596
I’m not sure
597
A meeting place
598
Transformation
599
An exploration or continuation or elaboration on the motto that is inscribed on the arches at the corner of Dole and University, "Ma luna aʻe o nā lāhui a pau ke ola ke kānaka."
600
Center
601
Intercultural Harmony
602
I would love to see it symbolize a meeting point centering on respect for diversity. It could be a meeting point for people of all races and ethnicities; it could be a meeting point of people of different cultures and perspectives; it could be a meeting point for people with different sexual orientations; and more. I would love to see it as a place where people come together with open minds and hearts.
603
The meeting of minds
604
Honoring Native Hawaiian scholars like Dr. Haunani Kay Trask
605
Native Hawaiian Aliʻi and rename the circle after indigenous people of Hawaii! This is SO IMPORTANT in making UH a Hawaiian place of learning. Please look at whats happening around the world with BLM movement and systemic racism. Lets change our campus to commemorate Hawaiian people, not the colonizers.
606
Nature
607
Connection and welcoming Native History
608
At the moment I would hardly say that Varney Circle is a focus point of the campus at all! The road is too large and prohibits meaningful interaction with the site. It would be nice if there was ample opportunity to sit and socialize around the fountain as a focal point. Maybe sails or trees could provide shade for outdoor study areas.
609
Equality
610
Hawaiian Place of Learning
611
A constant despite the constant changes
612
Looking at old photos, it should symbolize the history and center of campus and the center for campus life. Now it's simply something that hasn't been repaired for years and just left uncared for.
613
Comfortable gathering/leisure space, representing the connectivity and inclusiveness of the campus
614
Something to commemorate Hawaiʻi and the species lost
615
Hawaiian Culture
616
It should be a culturally sustaining and revitalizing space that celebrates UH as a Native Hawaiian Place of learning. To that end it should be renamed after a Kanaka ʻŌiwi scholar or individual who advocated for indigenous ways of knowing.
617
Equality
618
Establishing PPP to rejuvenate pucks and Mōʻiliʻili as entry to the campus should be the focus. Who’s idea was it to waste money on varney circle
619
Moving waters refresh the air. That's why Romans built fountains everywhere. In addition, the sound of falling waters energizes. Keep the old structure and add playful elements for certain hours of the day. Our students could run through water sprays, etc. It could easily become a joyful place!
620
I never saw Varney Circle as a focal point of our campus. However, if it is meant to be a focal point then it should be more focused towards Hawaiian culture/history.
621
inclusivity to all learners from everywhere
293
622
A place for students to comfortably pass through and admire on their way to class.
623
I couldn’t figure out where to put this, but to me the circle has just been an inconvenience when walking because it is so nuts how you can’t just walk through it without dodging vehicles! Mahalo for your efforts.
624
A connectivity between campus/ student life and the official buildings/offices
625
Something important to the school
626
History
627
The aloha spirit of its students and faculty!
628
More greenery is always nice :D
629
Historical values
630
Because of its historical significance to UH, Varney Circle should represent important, distinguishing aspects of the school. If the University is considering a renovation for Varney Fountain, the new structure should honor the traditional traits of UH Mānoa (i.e. the establishment of UHM, cultural commemoration of Hawaii) with an updated, modernized design
631
294
A gathering place for events that is more prominent than campus center. It should be the heart of UH Mānoa for students and visitors. People should be relaxing, conversing, and enjoying this area of campus.
632
Bringing the community together.
633
An intersection of academic disciplines and cultures
634
Hawaiʻi ecosystem
635
The heart of the campus
636
UH's commitment to Native and Indigenous structures.
637
Campus history
Varney Circle Design Tank
638
This is the heart of UH in my opinion! The fountain is an easy meeting point, and if more people knew of its history, I think they would be more inclined to visit it! However, removing the roads from this area would greatly cut back on temporary, open-access pay-to-park stalls. Myself and other students, not to mention visitors and parents, frequently use these convenient stalls to visit QLC, go on tours, visit the bookstore, etc. Should you take these away, it would be a great idea to add more pay-to-park stalls elsewhere but close-by.
639
Native Hawaiian heritage
640
A green and relaxing focal point for the campus
641
Hawaiian place
642
The rich cultural and natural heritage of Hawai'i. There are so many key species surrounding Varney circle, there should be a connection to those.
643
UH student design and alumni involvement
644
Native Hawaiian culture/history
645
N/a
646
Love and Respect
647
A place where people have meetings and also a place where people can interact with each other.
648
The University's purpose.
649
Importance of the academic experience in learning and frowning from others
650
Meeting points and merging of new and old.
651
Sustainability into the future
652
Focus more on the student quality of life and convenience rather than ways to make money.
653
‘āina
654
The history of UH Mānoa.
655
A Hawaiian place of learning
656
Meeting point for all
657
Community, ʻOhana, identify that our campus is indeed a Hawaiian place of learning!!!!
658
Green
659
Hawaiian culture, school values
660
Emphasize UH's identity as a Hawaiian Place of Learning (i.e. some king of monument or other small cultural structure)
680
The connection between different cultures and people
661
I believe that this campus should take advantage of its historical significance. If the fountain is restored it will keep its history and probably be the last thing thats left. As times change the buildings will need to be renovated and changed but the fountain could stand as a meeting place for the younger and older generations to meet and make new memories over its shared history.
681
Hawaiian place of learning
682
Beauty and uniqueness of Hawaii
683
Students, Faculty, Hawaii, and History
684
Learning for all—among Native Hawaiian-type plants
685
The historical roots of the Mānoa campus
686
Hawaiian place of learning
687
It should symbolize Varney Circle's fountain as it is close by QLC where students should know they can do any student related activities there.
688
Commemorate Emma Nakuina—Native Hawaiian female judge & educator, Mānoa land
662
That UHM is a Hawaiian place of learning
663
Something to signify Hawaii’s unique diversity and signify Unity
664
Hawai'i
665
Truth and Beauty
689
Whatever the Native Hawaiian community wants.
666
The fountain is a way for people to give directions and meeting point. So something around that theme would be good.
690
Empowered Hawaiians
691
Something important
692
The University's mission statement (Evident in its NAME, University OF Hawaiʻi at Mānoa) to serve, educate, and support Native Hawaiians
693
Community
694
Aloha and laulima
695
Diversity
696
The diversity of the university and it's outlook for better future. I think having a waʻa as the centerpiece could be a meaningful centerpiece. It embraces the roots of the university and alludes to the university's ability to voyage out into the unknown in search of a better future.
697
Our expected budget deficits, I am surprised this is still being pushed through. Can the money be better used towards keeping faculty, students, admin and community members safe as you force us towards in-person classes this Fall?
698
Aloha and higher learning
699
The fact that this land belongs to the Hawaiian people.
700
Sense of place and purpose—Hawaiʻi and Higher Education
701
Hawaiian culture
667
Unity
668
Pride of the campus
669
Unity
670
It ties the old quad (Hawaiʻi Hall etc) to the newer expansion of the campus down McCarthy Mall. It's the dot of the exclamation point formed by the Mall and the Circle.
671
Hawaii: it's culture, history, significance.
672
A central meeting place
673
A gathering of culture and ideas
674
Local Culture
675
A Hearth
676
Not sure, but should relate to something culturally and historically significant to Hawaiʻi and native Hawaiian people
677
UH as a Hawaiʻi and Pacific place of learning. A hale and or other Pasifika structures should be here.
678
Multiethnicity
679
Ideally it could symbolize something meaningful to the university and also to Native Hawaiians.
295
702
The uniqueness of the Hawaiian ecology and people.
721
A gathering place
703
UH cares about its students
722
If its replaced it should symbolize Native Hawaiian knowledge
704
Historical significance
723
The values of Hawai‘i.
705
Hawaiʻi and UHM history
724
706
laulima or lōkahi
The Hawaiian people whose land and culture was taken by settler colonization
707
Aloha and flow between buildings
725
Just make the space usable and under budget
708
Transportation hub
726
709
Greenery
Privatization of the public university. Make a monument to student affairs.
710
Knowledge: it is a university in the first place
727
A meeting place
711
DO NOT CLOSE OFF VC to traffic! Build an underground pedestrian tunnel to connect QLC lower level with McCarthy Mall.
728
UHM 'ʻOhana
729
The historical aspect of the Hawaiian culture UH is so proud of
712
N/a
730
An institution of learning
713
Aʻo and ao. Mālamalama. Education, the light of knowledge and of forebears embraced by the world's "foremost indigenous-serving institution"—a commitment contracted in UH's 2012 Hawai‘i Papa o Ke Ao signed by UH Pres Greenwood. We need to keep that promise to the maoli people whose lands were taken and used for an institution that until recently historically kept the people of the land from true egalitarian access to higher education. What we do with Varney Circle can contribute to fulfilling that promise and making progress for goodness and justice and progress to remediate systemic racism.
731
Values of our school
732
Sustainability and safety
733
Sustainability
734
Hawaii
735
Female educators.
736
It should symbolize Aloha, the diversity of our campus & State
737
Varney Circle should reflect a campus piko (navel) which ties us to the history of its namesake and culture of Hawai'i. Water is an important and beautiful element that I would love to see incorporated on campus.
738
Our community
739
If people start flocking there for graduation pictures, you know you got it right.
740
Please consider carrying out the campus beautification at a later date, and instead redirecting the funds toward providing aid for students experiencing financial distress due to COVID-19, or students who have been displaced and no longer have campus housing due to the reduction in housing capacity. Thank you!
741
Hawaiian sovereignty, aloha ʻāina
742
Central location for campus activities, but with care to not further reduce needed parking spaces
714
715
The beauty of individuality
716
Learning
717
Hawaiian place of learning
718
I don't know, QLC?
719
This area should symbolize the historical past and how UHM has evolved from a Teacher's College to a Research 1 campus.
720
296
I think it should be changed to symbolize Native Hawaiian sovereignty and their right to selfdetermination. This is a supposed "Hawaiian place of learning" but there is little representation of Kanaka Maoli
The significance of the founder (Susan Varney)
Varney Circle Design Tank
743
History of UH
744
Community
745
The university's history
746
The beauty of the island
747
Do we need a focal point? The entire campus and the studies here should be the focal point. Varney Circle, a fountain or sitting area will not be the center of interest or activity. If that is what the campus is looking for, that would make sense at the Campus Center Courtyard that has already had funds invested to be redone. Stop wasting money and resources we do not have.
748
I don't think this is a "campus focal point." It is a fountain that hasn't worked for many, many years. We don't make a big deal about Ada Varney and no one knows who she was. It would make sense to have such a named fountain near the College of Ed. If the fountain was removed, the whole area could be reconfigured so that cars, pedestrians and bike riders could feel a lot safer. In all honesty, when I give people directions (and this happens weekly if not daily), people don't recall seeing a fountain. The focal point I refer to, that ALWAYS works, is referring them to the QLC.
749
A respectful and valued representation of Ms. Varney, along with her legacy.
750
Its history but also its commitment to Hawaii.
751
With water—peacefulness
752
A Rainbow
753
It was named for Ada Susan Varney, thus it could symbolize women and their leadership in and contributions to higher education.
754
I want it to be a taco bell.
297