WAHIAWA, Hawai‘i - The University of Arkansas Community Design Center's (UACDC) master plan for the Whitmore Agribusiness Technology Park has been named to the 2017 World Architecture Festival Awards' shortlist in the category of Future Projects – Master Planning. The World Architecture Festival is the world's largest, live, inclusive and interactive global architectural awards program and festival.
Since September 2016, the UACDC, in partnership with UA Office for Sustainability and UA Resiliency Center, has been working with the Agribusiness Development Corporation and various state and county agencies to develop the proof-of-concept master plan. The Agribusiness Development Corporation is the client and sponsor of the project that is being developed for the State.
Local farmers in Hawai‘i face challenges today such as complying with food safety standards and reaching optimal economic scale. To address these challenges, the Agribusiness Development Corporation is taking a holistic approach so multiple issues can be solved through a consolidated facility in Whitmore Village. The future facility includes plans for processing and packaging facilities, retail areas for value-added products, and farmer workforce housing. Furthermore, ADC is currently in the process of purchasing over 1,500 acres of agricultural land in Central Oahu that will be leased out to local farmers for scaled production.
“I am very proud to see the progress of this project being recognized on an international
platform,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Dist. 22 – Mililani Mauka, Launani Valley, Wahiawa, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Whitmore Village). “I look forward to the future of Whitmore Agribusiness Technology Park and how it will have a positive effect on the future of Hawai‘i's agriculture industry.
The University of Arkansas Community Design Center will be invited to present their designs to a jury of more than 100 international judges, who will then determine the best projects within 32 completed and future project categories. The festival will take place on November 15-17 at the Arena Berlin, Germany.
For more information on the World Architecture Festival, please visit www.worldarchitecturefestival.com
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