Did you know this building was almost torn down? Welcome to the IBM Building in Honolulu. This six-story structure stands as a testament to tropical modernism. It is also a symbol of architectural ingenuity.
The IBM Building opened in 1962. It was the Honolulu headquarters for IBM. Vladimir Ossipoff designed it. The construction cost $1.5 million. That is equivalent to about $15.1 million today.
Back in 1960, IBM announced plans for a new office building. The company projected the building would be five to seven stories. They also said it would cost between $800000 and $1.5 million. Construction began in July 1961. It was the first part of a master plan for eastern Kakaako.
The IBM Building’s design features a unique concrete brise soleil. This honeycomb structure surrounds the building. Ossipoff drew inspiration from Polynesian culture. The design also resembles punched cards. These cards were used in the computer industry at the time. The angles of the brise soleil serve multiple purposes. They block sunlight. They prevent water from pooling. And they discourage birds from nesting. Yet, they still allow views from the offices.
Ossipoff described the grille as a key aspect. He said its pattern expresses IBM’s computer-world character. It also gives the building a sense of belonging in the sun. The deep shadows of the grillwork are significant. They are as significant as any part of the structure.
Initially, some Hawaii residents criticized the building’s appearance. They thought it was austere and did not fit in. But over time, it gained popularity. In 1964, it received an honorable mention from the American Institute of Architects. The Honolulu Chamber of Commerce recognized its landscaping. It gave it the 1964 Beautification Award.
In 2002, General Growth Properties acquired the IBM Building. In 2008, they planned to demolish it. Public backlash led to its preservation. The Howard Hughes Corporation purchased the area in 2010. They renovated the IBM Building.
Woods Bagot and Ferraro Choi designed the renovation. The building reopened in 2014 as a sales center for Ward Village. The renovation cost $24 million. Some criticized the changes. Ossipoff’s former partner Sid Snyder found them unsympathetic. Ossipoff’s daughter Valerie Ossipoff also critiqued them.
In 2018, Howard Hughes Corporation announced plans to move remote workers into the building. IBM vacated the building completely in 2019. The sign reading “IBM” was removed from the roof.
The IBM Building stands as a key example of tropical modernism. Dean Sakamoto called it a Honolulu landmark. He compared it to Aloha Tower and the Hawaii Convention Center. Jeff Nishi praised Ossipoff’s versatility. The IBM Building is more than just an office. It’s a piece of Honolulu’s history. It showcases innovative design and community spirit. Its honeycomb facade continues to inspire. It also reminds us of the importance of preserving architectural treasures.