Child and Family Service envisioned their facilities to have a warm and welcoming feeling for local families being helped by them, as if they were living in a home and not a shelter. Kid-friendly themes, fun colors, connection to nature, and the sense of ohana and local culture were guiding principles for the design.
The transitional hallway is a significant corridor, as it is the families’ first impression of the facilities, and an area they have to traverse multiple times a day. Since this corridor has no windows or access to natural daylight, the design embraces a feeling of enclosure, and creates a playful ocean cavern, filled with creatures of the sea. A painted wall mural, “jellyfish” lighting, and new ceiling and floor finishes helps us achieve this concept. There is also potential for residents to feel like they may contribute to the space, by adding their own “creatures” to the ocean, expressing themselves on chalkboard doors, and telling their own stories of survival and overcoming adversity.
Our overall message is one of hope; that the renovated facilities may aid in the healing process, and help families envision a safe and bright future, filled with love, joy, promise, optimism, and ohana.
Ewa Beach, HI
Child & Family Service
