ARCH 416: Advanced Design Studio
The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) is interested in developing ideas for a Pacific Seaweed Resilience Institute (PSRI) to house advanced seaweed genomics research and seedbanking facilities, integrate Hawaiian and Pacific Islander stewardship practices, support regional collaboration and exchange, demonstrate climate adaptive design strategies, and foster community engagement and education. DAB is partnering with the University of Hawai’i Community Design Center (UHCDC) and the UHM School of Architecture to provide students with opportunities to align their learning with these project goals.
Project Goals
Seedbanking & Genetic Preservation: Safeguard native Hawaiian limu biodiversity and commercial strain genetic material through in vitro and field gene banks. Lack of quality seedlings represents the primary challenge for Indonesian and Philippine farmers.
Breeding & Crop Improvement: Develop climate-resilient seaweed strains with enhanced growth rates, disease resistance, and carrageenan content. Breeding programs require 10-20 years to develop improved cultivars for commercial deployment.
Seed Distribution Infrastructure: Support nursery operations and farmer access to certified disease-free propagation material, addressing critical supply chain gaps.
Capacity Building: Train researchers, technicians, and farmers in advanced cultivation techniques and best management practices through extension programs and workshops.
Research Coordination: Facilitate university-industry partnerships and federal grant capture, positioning Hawaiʻi competitively for infrastructure funding.
Poster by Justin Huynh
Poster by Dobin Lim
Poster by Dane Riingen
Partners: Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity
Instructor: Cathi Ho Schar FAIA
Course Assistant: Thanh Nguyen
Research Associate support: Kaylen Daquioag
Students: Reese Alipaz, Felicia Ang, Geosa Aquisay, Allyssa Baldoria, Michael Bautista, Bradley Bumanglag, Kaleb Camacho, Ethan Ching, Julieanna Coloma, Kai Gokan, Jenna Grabowski, Justin Huynh, Dobin Lim, Christopher Lopes, Caitlin Munar, Kylie Reyes, Dane Riingen, Shea Shelton, Fitimaleafa Tapau
All Photography by UHCDC