Abstract:
The design and construction process of the recently completed IDEA Center at Noelani Elementary School offers a case study in the application of sustainability ideals. The Innovate, Discover, Explore and Achieve — IDEA — Center at the heart of the Noelani campus provides a new library, flexible makerspace, and classroom spaces for the school while also serving as a means of teaching young students about sustainability. Going beyond mandated efficiencies, the building and site design highlight sustainable water management and energy efficiency as design features. This presentation will detail how the project balanced green rating systems and government regulations with the site’s environmental and community context.
Track: ‘EKAHI (Track 1) –
Design and Practice
Session #: 1A
Date: November 18, 2022
Time: 7:45 AM – 8:45 AM
Location: 319A
AIA CEUs: 1 LU/HSW
Presenters:

Lorrin Matsunaga, AIA, LEED-AP
Partner Urban Works
Lorrin is a partner at Urban Works, an architectural firm that has focused on the design of educational, residential and community-related projects since its founding in 1984. Lorrin maintains direct involvement on projects to provide design leadership and to foster dialogue between the client, stakeholders and design team. He believes in the importance of reading and travel to understand ideas and intentions, and to experience architecture first-hand. He received his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Washington.
Partner, Urban Works

Emily Gillmar, AIA, LEED-AP BD+C
Project Architect, Urban Works
After receiving a Master of Architecture degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Emily Gillmar worked on the mainland at both architecture and planning firms before returning to Hawai‘i. At Urban Works, she has applied sustainability principles in her work on affordable housing and education projects. In addition to professional practice, Emily enjoys teaching studio courses at the University of Hawai‘i School of Architecture.
Project Architect, Urban Works