Eight Inc. garnered first place in the Malama Learning Center International Architectural Design Competition among 236 submissions. This program called for an efficient, sustainable solution to a complex combination of requirements: educational institution, nature-conservancy study center, art center, dance studio, outdoor-indoor performance theater, and community center. The spatial organization of the design consists of a dialogue between a central axis leading to the amphitheater and the volumes containing the elements of the Center’s program. Along the axis are the indoor and outdoor classrooms, landscape areas, and entrance lobbies to the principal building structures bridging the path. When completed the center will “advance conservation and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Hawai`i via the performing and visual arts” and will be a role model for future sustainable architecture.

The Malama Learning Center is a LEED® Silver registered, not- for-profit educational project that incorporates both educational and cultural areas. The approach takes into consideration both indoor and outdoor use and focuses on creating an environment sensitive to the needs of both its users and its environment. With a focus on respectful integration into its surroundings, Eight Inc. specified materials from renewable local resources.