Honolulu's Renovated IBM Building Is Truly an Icon

 

 

Honolulu's Renovated IBM Building Is Truly an Icon

Now the compelling centerpiece for a slate of Ward Village development projects, the building connects the area's celebrated past with a bright future.

Sometimes fitting in means making a conscious effort to stand out. That might as well be the mantra of Honolulu's iconic IBM Building. Originally the ultimate outsider, now thanks to a lavish renovation this architectural Modernist masterpiece is certified as an authentic hometown hero.

 

 

 

A Not-So-Sure-Footed Start

It didn't always seem like celebrity status was fated for the IBM Building. On its debut, architect Vladimir Ossipoff's bold creation was greeted with mixed reviews. The ultra-modern design, inspired by the look of a computer punch card, to some appeared too stark compared to Hawaii's lush natural beauty. 

Industry opinions were decidedly more favorable. Ossipoff garnered several accolades, including a 1964 Honorable Mention from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Design Awards, Hawaii Chapter. Over the years, the IBM Building emerged as a “cult classic” that added unquestionably unique character to the area.

However, when in 2008 the building was slated for demolition as part of a redevelopment plan, the community realized that a vital part of Honolulu's urban skyline and history was at risk. Ossipoff had by then been recognized as a local master, through retrospectives at not only the Honolulu Museum of Art but also at the Yale School of Architecture Gallery and the German Architecture Museum. All that was missing was a white knight with a plan.

The stage was set for the building to enjoy a glorious second act!

 

 

 

Growing into Something Better

Developer The Howard Hughes Corporation arrived to the rescue. The company stepped forward with what ultimately evolved into a redevelopment that restored and updated the IBM Building. The renovation preserved the building's most distinctive feature, its dramatic honeycomb exterior (a “brise-soleil” in architectural parlance), the bold design of which seemed to predict the visual geometric spectacle of The Matrix.

The investment was put toward much more than a simple face lift. The comprehensive project included:

• Complete interior renovations of the first, second, fifth & sixth floors
• Additions to the seventh-floor rooftop
• Ground level open-air lanai
• Hardscape & landscape upgrades that reflect Ossipoff's original computer punch card design motifs
• New outdoor courtyard

 

 

Enter Ward Village

Upon completing the renovation, the ground floor of the IBM became the home of the Ward Village Master Plan Information Center, which included interactive exhibits showcasing the history of the Ward Village area, demonstrative displays for the 60-acre project and a private theater. The space also featured an original wall mural by Native Hawaiian artist Solomon Enos and a lounge that overlooked the makai courtyard. 

It took a village of architectural firms to bring this vision to life. Woods Bagot took the lead on several of the floor renovations, winning the Display Category at Inside Festival 2015. Ferraro Choi renovated the entire fifth floor for their new offices – their work won the 2011 AIA Honolulu Design, 2011 NAIOP Kukulu Hale, and 2012 Hawaii Green Business awards.

Vladimir Ossipoff's legacy as the dean of modern Hawaiian architecture lives on, and The IBM Building has been restored as a vital and popular local attraction. 

 

 

 

Coming Up...

In our next posts we'll take a visit inside the building to see up close how Ward Village is making this space relevant for a new generation of kamaʻāina.

 

 

 

 

 

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