Photo by Alan Karchmer Architectural Photographer

The building's cafeteria looks out towards the mddle lock of Pearl Harbor.

Photo by Alan Karchmer Architectural Photographer

The new building is inserted between two historic hangars.

Two World War II-era hangars on Pearl Harbor's National Historic Landmark Ford Island were adapted into the headquarters for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Pacific Region in a way that complements the original scale and material. Designers mimicked the island's ecology for air flow, water distribution and lighting systems. For example, natural ventilation captures sea breezes and funnels them over water-chilled coils. Thermal chimneys distribute the air without fans, similar to the vascular system of local trees. Because the island is also a naval air base, the team had to conform to its schedules and security requirements. Since Naval Facilities Engineering Command owns Ford Island and oversaw construction, the project required close collaboration.

Key Players

Contractor Walsh Construction

Owner National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Architect/Interior Design HOK

Associate Architect Ferraro Choi and Associates

Structural Engineer SOHA Engineers

Civil Engineer Kennedy Jenks Consultant

MEP Engineer WSP Flack + Kurtz

Historic Preservation Mason Architects