This Mālama Learning Center Design Competition was an open, one-stage, international competition to design a unique structure that advances conservation and celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of Hawai‘i via the performing and visual arts. To reflect the modern era of computer-aided design, encourage a wide range of graphic responses, and minimize the use of resources, the competition was conducted using digital processes (i.e., no boards required)!

The Design Competition came to a glorious conclusion on October 8, 2003. A gathering of community members, friends, and staff celebrated the accomplishments of all who participated in this competition, especially the award winners. The top winner of the competition, Eight Inc., was represented by Tim Kobe and Matthew Goyke, who were elated with the results of their team's work. As a special treat, third place winner, Andrew Tang, sent a great message via CD all the way from Rotterdam, the Netherlands!

Mahalo (thank you) to all of you who have shown interest in the competition and the Mālama Learning Center. Special thanks go to our sponsors, competition advisor, jurors, steering committee, and volunteers. With a winning design, we are excited and eager to move into our next phase of making the learning center a reality. We invite new partners to join us in building a living laboratory of learning to help us take better care of the land, sea, and people of Hawai‘i.

EXCITING UPDATE:   Eight Inc. wins new award for Mālama Learning Center

Architecture firm, Eight Inc. won First Place in the Future Education category at the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona, Spain, November 2009 for the Mālama Learning Center project.  This project was judged by peers to be the best unbuilt education project in the world at this time.

The world's biggest architectural summit, the World Architecture Festival took place in Barcelona for the second year running, with new opportunities for the industry to showcase its work as part of the world's biggest architectural Awards program. There were 272 shortlisted entrants from over 60 countries in 40 different categories.