Aulani Essay

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Architecture is defined as the profession of designing buildings, open areas, communities, and other artificial constructions and environments, usually with some regard to aesthetic effect (Architecture). Architecture has changed from its earlier years due to technological advances and new, modernist styles. But with these changes, architecture is becoming more and more difficult; some may even say that it is dying. On the other hand, some see it as a growing field with even more possibilities because of the new technologies now being implemented. Aulani is a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Oline, Hawaii. This discussion will be about how Disney responded to peoples’ needs, wants, and desires, special architectural structures specific to this resort, …show more content…

This resort in particular, uses construction techniques familiar to the area to continue with their Hawaiian inspiration. The Aulani architectural design was a blend of the traditional and the contemporary (Aulani Architecture). One of the architectural elements included was the “ahupua’a”, which was the division of land that stretched from the top of the mountain to the sea; this is seen in Aulani because the lobby is located at the top of the mountain, Waikolohe Valley below, extending out to the Pacific Ocean. Another element used throughout Aulani is the adze bracket, which is a chiseling tool used as a metaphor of transforming a natural material into a manmade product (Aulani Architecture). Landscape architecture was also considered in the design of this resort. The Waikolohe Valley mentioned earlier was made as a result of the Aulani Resort. Tall walls of the surrounding resort creared the “edges” of the valley and it was covered in trees and shrubs and eventually lead to palm trees as one approaches the beach (Aulani Architecture). While constructing this project, the architects also had to keep in mind the natives cultural beliefs. Jeff Morosky, the Walt Disney Imagineering Landscape Architect, said “We didn’t want to disturb nature by collecting stones. Rocks and stones are considered to have spirits and are living, so …show more content…

Hawaii’s landscape in general already offers peace and serenity for the natives and for the people that just go to visit the island. But to make it even better, this resort lies on 21 acres of pure oceanfront in between mountains and peaceful ocean waters and it is far enough so that you can be removed from any distractions, but close enough to still be able to interact with the wonders of the whole island (The Aulani Story). As mentioned before, Aulani was the first project by Disney that did not have a theme park attached. In addition to the activities mentioned in a previous paragraph that attract tourists, since Aulani is the first resort to acknowledge Hawaiian culture, as mentioned before. Some of the experiences Aulani incorporates into their resort to differentiate itself from other resorts in Hawaii are the Contemporary Hawaiian art and design all throughout the resort, entertainment like fireside storytelling and Starlit Hui which is an evening celebration of Hawaiian traditions and Disney storytelling, Hawaiian activities and crafts like hula and lei-making classes, and excursions like surf lessons and hiking (The Aulani Story). It is said that architecture is a balance between poetry and geometry. Bolanos exclaims, “With Aulani, we are telling you the story of Hawaii – from the mountains to the ocean – through the eyes of Disney, weaving together culture, art,

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