PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII
NOAA Daniel K. Inouye Regional Center - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Daniel K. Inouye Regional Center is a reuse of historic hangars and new construction on a historic landmark site. The program includes a marine biology lab, national data center, dive center, International Tsunami Info center, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, National Weather Service, and administration functions.
When Walsh began the project, the buildings were in ruins. There was water coming out of the ceilings and they were close to collapsing. The design took the two existing hangars that sat side by side and the space was filled with a simple steel and glass building.
Additional features include a visitors center with permanent & temporary exhibits, auditorium and conference center, library information center, training rooms, cafeteria, and a occupational health/fitness center.
A long, open, three-story atrium houses public function spaces such as the library, dining and fitness areas, and an auditorium. In each of the hangar structures, courtyards open up from the roof all the way down to the ground level. These areas serve as gathering spaces and draw in natural light.
The high-performance, sustainable design is rooted in the mission of NOAA, biomimicry and the cultural traditions of the Pacific region. The LEED Gold sustainable design features include a skylight diffuser system that virtually eliminates the need for artificial light during the day.