In this workshop, students took a closer look at their built environment. Under the guidance of architects, designers, entrepreneurs, and city planners, students in the Global Leadership Program learned how good urban planning addresses issues such as sustainability, affordable housing, climate change, accessibility, and homelessness. For many, it was an introduction to a fascinating field.
“The most valuable part of the day was being able to put myself in the shoes of those that plan for urban communities/projects as a living. It enabled me to see the community and the true challenges of planning on a deeper level, and it overall just really opened my eyes.”
“It made me envision a world I would be very interested and excited to be in.”
“Just walking around Chinatown and Kakaako was really eye-opening because it allowed me to look at these communities in different perspectives.”
Workshop Highlights:
· Walking tour of Chinatown by architect and educator Dean Sakamoto.
· Walking tour of Kakaako by Daniel Simonich, founder of Better Block Hawaii, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving urban livability, services, and infrastructure in urban communities.
· Tour of MetroGrow Hawaii, a vertical farming business, by founder Kerry Kakazu.
· Presentation on Honolulu Rail by Jon Nouchi, Planning and Environmental Deputy Director for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART).
· Presentation on Transit-Oriented Development by Harrison Rue Community Building and Transit-Oriented Development Administrator for the City & County of Honolulu.
· Presentation on the human impacts of urban planning by Karen Umemoto, Chair of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DURP) at UH Manoa.