The Liliha Public Library was designed by local architect Steven Oyakawa. The Library is most notable for its combination of new formalism and subtle mid-century modern expressionism rendered in brick and masonry.
The Liliha Public Library renovation required repairs and improvements throughout the building. Restoring the beautiful and uniquely designed library, FAI found a harmonious balance of essential repairs and enhanced beautification. The renovation presented an opportunity to improve the building’s function for its users’ experience, while retaining the elegant details, scale, and material of Oyakawa’s original design.
During material selection, the pre-cast concrete manufacturer granted the team an exclusive tour behind the scenes. The designer recalls the fascinating process, “watching them pour the concrete into molds, and being toured around the facility by the owner, who gave the team educational insights to the process”.
2022 Historic Hawaii Foundation Preservation Award
