Precedent Comparison to Fort Kam

Fort Kamehameha Historical District

The precedent studies each contain certain elements in their design, policies, or nature which relate directly to the context of the Fort Kamehameha project. While each precedent is different in scope, scale, and type, each can inform how the Fort Kam project evolves. Although there are multiple contexts by which the precedents can inform the project, each were selected for one or a few specific characteristics.

Fort Irwin Solar Energy EUL

* Part of the military’s Enhanced Lease Use program
* Progressive implementation of sustainable technology
* Utilized the site for its most dominating characteristic
* Transformed a previously unproductive site into a sustainable profitable asset

Villages at Beaumont

* Part of the military’s Enhanced Lease Use program
* Deals with historic buildings and the addition of new buildings into that historical context
* similar scale to that of Fort Kam

Hat Island

* Geographically isolated from the rest of civilian life
* Access to and from island by way of passenger ferry
* Primarily residential with minimal automobile traffic
* While scale is larger than Fort Kam, it remains a walkable distance for residents

Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology

* Strong connection to ocean and marine life
* Geographically isolated from the rest of civilian life
* In direct flight path of near by airport
* Similar scale to that of Fort Kam

Precedent Studies

Fort Irwin Solar Energy EUL (Enhanced Use Lease)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers selected a variety of private entities to develop, construct, and manage the largest solar power project proposed to date within the Department of Defense at Fort Irwin, California. This project is a prime example of underutilized military owned land that was leased to private developers in order to capitalize on the sites natural, strong characteristics and transform it into a profitable asset.

Villages at Beaumont EUL, Fort Bliss, El Paso

Phase 1 of the project will involve commercial (retail) development along Fred Wilson Avenue and Dyer Street and residential units within the development site, as well as stabilizing the existing historic buildings for rehabilitation.
Phase 2 will continue with more commercial (retail/office) development and residential units, and will include the construction of a community office space.
Phase 3 will involve the affordable senior housing units, residential units and commercial (office/R/D) development.
Phase 4 will be the final phase of the development and will involve commercial (office) development.

Hat Island (Gerney Island), Puget Sound, Washington

Hat Island (A.K.A. Gedney Island) is a private island, located in Puget Sound, in Snohomish County Washington. The island is west of Everett, between Whidbey Island and Camano Island. The island is small, only 1.5 miles long by a .5 mile wide. There are about 260 homes on the island and about 600 buildable lots.

Because this is a private island, with roads maintained by the Hat Island Community, cars on the island do not have to have state license plates. Because the island is small and without stores, cars usually just transport people from the ferry to their homes.

Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology

The Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology is a world-renowned marine research institute situated on Moku o Lo'e (Coconut Island) in Kane‘ohe Bay. HIMB is a research institute of the School of Ocean & Earth Science & Technology at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. It is located just 15 miles from the main campus and downtown Honolulu.

Coconut Island is situated in the direct flight path of the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base. The noise from aircraft taking off and landing can be considerable, though plane traffic is sporadic and rare in the evenings.

Analysis of Official Screening Criteria

Program Organization

1+3

As the military gradually decommissions their military bases across the world, it is vital in areas of high land value that the land is managed in a way which immediately capitalizes on the demand for such land.

In cases of partial military base decommission, sections of land sometimes exist unoccupied for several years. High land values justify making special efforts to open these sites up for re-use or redevelopment. In the time that these houses lay vacant, the government could be profiting millions off of the lease of these properties.

Site Diagram

The first, of what I am sure are many, analytical diagrams focusing on the site. I chose to do a figure ground diagram to isolate the key elements and look at their relationship together. The objects left in white (the residential, military, and religious structures of the historical district) can be more easily defined by their physical relationships, scale, and overall organization. However, an even more significant relationship can be observed through this diagram. That is the relationship that exists between the community and the ocean. I found that in plan there is a subtle elegance to the composition of the different "pieces." I believe this elegance exists in much more than just the plan of the design. I believe it to be this very characteristic that has inspired the groups opposing demolition to fight so intensely to have this neighborhood saved. Whatever the future design for the neighborhood entails, it must retain this elegance if it is to be successful.

Concept Sketch 3

Since the decommission of the Fort Kamehameha historical houses, the true definition of the buildings has been lost. They cease to serve the purpose for which they were created. There are no residents whom occupy the houses. They sit vacant in a quiet, abandoned site. However the debate of the houses has never been louder. There are multiple groups, organizations, and institutions that have formed their own definitions of the structures of Fort Kamehameha. The Air Force defines the units as an unnecessary expenditure and a risk. The Hawaiian Historical Foundation defines the buildings as historically significant structures. I, like so many others who have had the privilege of living in the houses, define the buildings as home. It has become necessary to redefine the buildings. An ultimate redefinition, in which all parties involved accept, is necessary in order to once again give life and meaning to these houses. Architecture ceases to be architecture when it is no longer employed. Without a redefinition of these buildings, they will remain in a state of isolation, uncertainty and despair.