Modernism & the Recent Past

Historic Hawai‘i Foundation
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About Modernism
In architecture, Modernism is generally defined as a design language with emphases on form rather than ornament, structure and materials rather than picturesque constructions, and the rational and efficient use of space.

The Modern movement in architecture in the United States flourished beginning in the 1930s, and encompassed individual design movements with their own individual ways of expressing Modern ideals. These include the International, Expressionist, Brutalist, New Formalist, and even Googie movements, to name a few. Technical innovation, experimentation, and rethinking the way humans lived in and used the designed environment, whether buildings or landscapes, were hallmarks of Modern architectural practice.

While the highest style examples of Modern architecture typically date to the early and mid 20th centuries, the influence of Modernism remained strong in everyday and vernacular design well into the late 20th century in some communities.

Source: National Trust for Historic Preservation
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The East-West Center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is an example of Honolulu's architecture of the recent past.
See Sites from Modernism + Recent Past Tour of Honolulu
(click on map below)
Examples of Hawaii's Modern+ Recent Past Buildings

  • American Savings Tower
  • Bachman Hall
  • Blaisdell Center
  • East-West Center
  • Financial Plaza of the Pacific
  • First Church of Christ Scientist
  • Gregg Apartments
  • Hale Kuahine
  • Hale Manoa
  • IBM Building
  • John Fitzgerald Kennedy Hall
  • Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Federal Building
  • Punahou Circle Apartments
  • Sinclair Library
  • Thomas Jefferson Hall (Administration Building at University of Hawaii at Manoa)

  What's Your Favorite Modern Building?
IBM Building
East-West Center
Hawaii State Capitol
First Church of Christ Scientist
Blaisdell Center
American Savings Tower
Federal Building
Pacific Club
None of the Above