The Ukulele Museum
G70 × Hawai’i State Archives x The Ukulele Foundation
The Ukulele Museum
Honoring Heritage, Uniting Communities, Inspiring Journeys
Through interactive exhibits and workshops, we aim to create a dynamic and passionate environment where visitors of all ages and skill levels can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry that is the world of the
We strive to serve as a vibrant cultural hub, illuminating not only the ukulele’s rich history but also create a sense of community and shared appreciation for this beloved instrument, its history, and its legacy. Legacy through Community
RESEARCH
Figure 1.1
Architectural Legacy Reimagined: The Royal Bungalow
Our museum draws inspiration from the elegance and historical significance of The Royal Bungalow, offering visitors a glimpse into Hawaii’s royal past through the timeless beauty and cultural heritage that once graced the ‘Iolani grounds.
The Vision of the Ukulele Foundation of Hawaii
To honor the legacy of the ukulele, support its continued relevance in music and education, and inspire future generations to embrace this iconic instrument by establishing the world’s first Ukulele Museum in Hawaii, celebrating its history, cultural significance, and impact on music and community
2.1
Figure
CAPITOL
BUILDING
BARRACKS
Figure 2.2
7:00am Maximum Shadow 9:00am Opening Time 1:00pm Minimum Shadows 11:00am 3:00pm 5:00pm Closing + Performance Time
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
OVERVIEW
3.1
Figure
IOLANI PALACE
IOLANI BARRACKS
OLD ARCHIVES BUILDING
STATE CAPITOL
HAWAII STATE LIBRARY 1/32”
Exterior Facade
The exterior facade is a tribute to the original Royal Bungalow. The facade incorporates mashrabiya screens and stained glass to allow people from inside to see out while still providing protection from the sun.
Figure 3.2
Basement Level
The basement level invites visitors into a captivating journey through time, with vignettes on the walls depicting scenes from old Chinatown, celebrating the birthplace of the first ukulele makers. These historical murals set the stage as visitors make their way to the vault, a secure and revered space housing the museum’s most valued and rare collection of ukuleles.
THE VAULT
OLD CHINATOWN VIGNETTE OFFICE AREA
MEETINGS ROOMS
MECHANICAL ROOMS
A.
The vault establishes a secretive and valuable collection of artifacts safely secured in the underground exhibition.
Vignettes of old Chinatown reminisce of the birthplace of the ukulele while leading visitors to the vault.
THE VAULT A.
Figure 3.3
B. CHINATOWN WALL VIGNETTE
Figure 3.4
Ground Level
This floor welcomes visitors into the heart of the exhibit, signalled by the Donor’s tree, a tribute to those who have supported the museum. On this floor, guests can explore the the luthier lab, archives room, interactive displays, and endless showcases of historical music pieces.
ENTRY
DONOR’S TREE
INTERACTIVE AREA
DISPLAY AREA
EXHIBIT ROOMS
ARCHIVE ROOM
LUTHIER’S LAB
BATHROOMS
STAFF ROOM
GIFT SHOP
AMPHITHEATER
The view as visitors enter into the grand double-height ceiling space of the museum.
Figure 3.5
DISPLAYS
The exhibit rooms will contain a rotating collection of ukuleles and music artifacts.
Figure 3.8
ARCHIVE ROOM F.
The archive room allows the public to access to historical records and instruments to study and play.
The luthier lab will allow students and enthusiasts alike to witness the craft of the instrument.
Figure 3.9
Figure 3.10
LUTHIER’S LAB G.
The gift shop offers visitors a chance to take a piece of their experience home with them.
The outdoor amphitheater will welcome performances outside of museum hours, for local and global artists.
Figure 3.11
GIFT SHOP J.
AMPHITHEATER K.
Figure 3.12
Second Level
This floor welcomes visitors into the heart of the exhibit, signalled by the Donor’s tree, a tribute to those who have supported the museum. On this floor, guests can explore the the luthier lab, archives room, interactive displays, and endless showcases of historical music pieces.
LEARNING AREAS
ARCHIVE STORAGE
WALL OF UKULELES
HISTORY WALL
These areas will serve as classrooms, for guided learning sessions, located between the archive storage.
The wall of ukuleles showcases the impressive permanent collection of the museum.
Figure 3.13
Figure 3.14
WALL OF UKULELES C.
The history wall engages visitors to learn more about the instrument and its significance in Hawaii.
KEIKI AREA E.
The keiki area serves as an engaging and educational space for young visitors.
Rooftop Level
The rooftop level of the Ukulele Museum offers a serene and inspiring gathering space with a breathtaking view of ‘Iolani Palace. This open-air area provides visitors with a place to rest, reflect, and enjoy the museum’s tranquil surroundings.
SNACK STANDS GATHERING SPACE
Figure 3.17
DETAILS
Figure
Archives Room Ground Level
Total Sqft: 1160
Occupancy: 24
The materiality of the reading room is selected to enhance comfort while mitigating noise from the adjacent sound booths.
This room also benefits from ample natural light filtered through the shading of majestic banyan trees, where the color palette complements the dappled light to enhance a tranquil atmosphere without being too dark.
Figure 4.2
#D8CFC4 #A67B5B #C97C5D
Carpet Wood Vinyl Rubber Mats
Sound Booths
Reading Desks A. B.
Computer Desks
Archivist Reference C. D.
Luthier Lab Ground Level
Total Sqft: 310 Occupancy: 6
The Luthier Lab is designed with materials that reflect both functionality and aesthetic appeal, utilizing finished concrete, wood, or tile. The color scheme is chosen to enhance the workspace without distracting from the beauty of the ukuleles; this palette creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the natural tones of the ukuleles.
#E5D5B6
Viewing Benches
Workbench
Cutting Station
Rack/Shelf Wood Steamer
Room
#50573D #9D593A
Finished Concrete Wood Vinyl Tile
Keiki Area Second Level
The materiality of this space should consider the safety and comfort of young visitors, as well as the need to minimize noise transmission to the rest of the building. With this palette, the keiki area becomes a dynamic and educational space where children can engage, learn, and have fun in a visually stimulating environment.
#DB481D #E2BA62 #008A83
Carpet Foam Tiles Rubber
Seating Area
DESIGN ITERATIONS
Figure 5.1
Figure 5.2
I. Image and Drawing Credits
Figure I-1: The Ukulele Museum Cover drawing by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 1.1: Research drawing by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 2.1: Map of Downtown Honolulu drawing by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 3.1: Overview drawing by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 3.2: The Ukulele Museum Exterior drawing by Hitoshi Hida, 2024
Figure 3.3: The Vault by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 3.4: Chinatown Wall by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 3.5: Entry by Ken Nukui, 2024
Figure 3.6: Donor’s Tree by Noah Larson, 2024
Figure 3.7: Interactive Area by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 3.8: Exhibit Rooms by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 3.9: Archive Rooms by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 3.10: Ukulele Gift Shop by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 3.11: Luthier Lab by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 3.12: Amphitheatre by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 3.13: Learning Areas by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 3.14: Ukulele History Wall by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 3.15: Keiki Area by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 3.16: Wall of Ukuleles by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 3.17: Perspective Section of Ukulele Museum by Noah Larson, 2024
Figure 4.1: Ukulele Details drawing by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 4.2: Archives Room by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 4.3: Luthier Lab by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 4.4: Keiki Area by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 5.1: Design Iterations drawing by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
Figure 5.2: Design Iterations drawing by Gemma Allegra Halim, 2024
A snapshot from the 1895 Counter-Revolution in Hawaii, captioned “The President and His Aide, Camp.” Pictured are Sanford B. Dole, a Hawaii-born lawyer and jurist who advocated the westernization of Hawaiian government and culture, and group.
Entrance to The Royal Bungalow
Taken before Charles Hastings Judd’s resignation in 1886. Pictured are King Kalakaua, Queen Kapiolani, Col. Charles H. Judd, and Mrs. Antoinette Swan.
Entrance to The Royal Bungalow
The Royal Bungalow Interior
The Royal Bungalow Entrance and Garden
The Bungalow was demolished in 1919, and replaced with the Iolani Barracks.
King Kalakaua once lived in the Royal Bungalow, also known as the Hale Akala.
The Ukulele Museum
G70 × Hawai’i State Archives x The Ukulele Foundation
Disclaimer:
This document is put together by G70 voluntarily to help visualize the vision of The Ukulele Foundation and State Archives. G70, State Archives and The Ukulele Foundation are not responsible for the content included in this document. The views and ideas expressed in this document are those of the designers or authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions held by the City & County of Honolulu.