Honolulu Chinatown Arch

The Honolulu Chinatown Arch is a placemaking and landmark project to celebrate the renewal of one of the oldest Chinatowns in the USA. The sculptural landmark looks to the future, with a nod to the unique and rich history of the diverse, culturally mixed community in Honolulu. The split-column system supports a roof design that merges the vernacular of the traditional and local trellis architecture, with references to the Hawaiian mountain ranges and movement of ocean waves. The colors and ornamentation relate to the traditional while the concrete relief base tells the stories of the historic community leaders of the Chinatown community.

Project Team

• Polyline Team Members: Jason DeMarco, AIA, LEED AP BD + C, Andrew Tang, Derrick Pang, Elizabeth McClellian

• Structural Engineering: Structural Service

Project Details:

Client: A Better Chinatown Association

Completion Date: Est 2025

Status: Construction Documentation

The Chinatown Arch is a piece of a community effort to revitalize the Chinatown area. Contextual renderings in partnership with HDR Inc.