MLC’s unique design is the result of an international architectural competition that was funded by both a major grant from the National Endowment of the Arts and matching grants from local businesses, foundations, and individuals.  The conceptual design has been refined by Honolulu-based architectural and design firm, 8 inc , to a simple yet elegant design that was entered in the 2009 World Architecture Festival in Barcelona, Spain. There were 272 shortlisted entrants from over 60 countries in 40 different categories. MLC won First Place in the Future Education category. Simply put, this project was judged by peers to be the best unbuilt education project in the world at this time.