Hart of Honolulu

A new look at an influential Hawaii architect.

The First Church of Christ Scientist, completed in 1923, combines Gothic and Arts and Crafts influences with Tudor Revival, for a uniquely local feel.

Photo Courtesy of UH Press, Photo by Augie Salbosa

In the half-century since his death, architect Hart Wood has often been referred to as the one-time partner of local legend Charles W. Dickey. But a new University of Hawaii Press book makes the case for Wood as a “giant of Hawaii’s regionalist design movement” in his own right.

Hart took creative license in interpreting New England Colonial architecture for the islands, such as this 1926 residence for the Austin family.

Photo Courtesy of UH Press, Photo by Augie Salbosa

The round arch openings of the Morgan residence give the place a Mediterranean Revival flavor.

Photo courtesy of UH Press, Photo by David Franzen

This is no mere coffee-table book: In addition to being a comprehensive biography of the man, Hart Wood: Architectural Regionalism in Hawaii offers in-depth analyses of the many influential buildings designed by Hart, and is packed with photography. The A&B Building on Bishop Street, the Board of Water Supply Administration Building, the Contemporary Museum (once the home of Mrs. C.M. Cooke)—Hart’s pioneering architectural sensibility lives on throughout the city. The book is by Dan Hibbard, Glenn Mason and Karen Weitze, and is $24.99.

This article appears in the August 2010 issue of HONOLULU Magazine.