ARCH 342 Hawaiʻi Public Archives

In Spring 2025, nineteen third-year Bachelor of Environmental Design students participated in ARCH 342: Intermediate Design Studio, led by Associate Professor Karla Sierralta in collaboration with Kuha‘o Zane of SZ Kaiao, a specialist in Hawaiian Design Theory. 

The studio was rooted in the ongoing Hawai‘i Public Archives Project and supported by cultural practitioners, subject-matter experts, and project assistants. 

Students explored design strategies for future spaces for the Hawai‘i Public Archives, focusing on exhibition and educational environments that honor and elevate Hawai‘i’s histories and objects of enduring value. 

Emphasizing culturally grounded design methods and community engagement, the studio offered students a meaningful opportunity to engage in place-based research with real-world relevance. 

Select student proposals are featured in the project’s final research report.

Partners: Department of Accounting and General Services and Hawaiʻi State Archives

Instructor: Karla Sierralta with Kuhaʻo Zane

Research assistant (Sp25): Kayla Watabu, Ph.D. Student, UHM English Department

Project Assistants (Sp25): Beatrix McLean, BEnvD Student, Kaimana Tuazon, MLA Student

Students: Keala Bouwens, Jonathan Calvillo, Jenna Grabowski, Noe‘ulakapalai Lindsey, Christopher Lopes, Miya Nishihira, Rylee Ramirez, Sara Salaparuta, Katherine Sewell, Lexington Smith, Zane Steely, Fitimaleafa Taupau, Raenelle Torres, Benjamin Vickland, Isabella Watts, William Weatherby, Byrne Williams, Chihiro Wilson, Leylia Wurthner