Asia-Pacific Center for Architecture (APCA)

Architecture is not merely the design of buildings with concerns for utility and beauty. A very important function of architecture is to serve as cultural icons of a particular time and place. These icons are primarily reflections of the social, religious, political, economic, technical and aesthetic ideals of a culture. The purpose of the Asia-Pacific Center for Architecture (APCA) is to further the understanding of Asia-Pacific architecture as a derivative of the cultural ideals of the region. The rich multi-cultural and multi-climatic environs of this vast region provide a unique context for vernacular architecture, a sensitive response that APCA seeks to strengthen.

Under its general mission, APCA serves to develop literacy in regional architecture, and to advance scholarships in this area. It seeks opportunities to provide a bridge between the historical and theoretical elements of the practical architectural design considerations of cities, landscapes and buildings in the Asia-Pacific region. APCA encourages exchange between academicians, practitioners, clients and government officials to help create a more sensitively designed environment for the region. It also helps to facilitate effective professional relationships throughout the area.

Strategically located in the middle of the Pacific Basin, at the cultural interface between east and west, APCA is a focal point for informational exchange on Asia –Pacific architecture and architectural practice.

APCA performs a very significant role in support of the University of Hawaii School of Architecture. It helps provide the School with a specific sense of purpose and direction, broadening the base of academic experience for the faculty and students, diversifying the student body, and increasing the stature of the School for current students as well as alumni.

APCA Board Members

President: Francis S. Haines, FAIA

Vice President: (currently vacant)

Secretary/Treasurer: Carol S. Sakata, ArchD, FAIA

George S. Berean, AIA

Kenneth F. Brown, FAIA

Melvyn Choy, AIA

Donald W.Y. Goo, FAIA

John P.N. Lynn, Taipei, Taiwan

John M. Okita, Hawaii, USA

Ki Suh Park, FAIA, AICP, California, USA

W. Cecil Steward, FAIA, Nebraska, USA

Kenji Sumida, Hawaii, USA

Philip K. White, AIA, Hawaii, USA

Chung Soo Won, Hon. FAIA, Seoul, Korea

W.H. Raymond Yeh, FAIA, Hawaii, USA