University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Architecture Associate Professor Lance Walters was featured on an episode of Art of Living, exploring the history, functionality and cultural significance of breezeblocks—an iconic feature of mid-century modern architecture. The episode features excerpts of Screen Blocks in Hawaiʻi, a publication co-authored by Walters.
Breezeblocks, known for their ability to balance sunlight and airflow, are an element of Hawaiʻi’s built environment, prominently featured on the UH Mānoa campus and throughout Honolulu.
“The reason they work so well in climates like this is because they absorb all of the heat during the day and release it when it cools off at night,” said Walters.
Walters describes how breezeblocks represent more than just decorative screens; they embody a blend of utility and decor. He incorporates breezeblocks into his course curriculum, having students participate in a hands-on project that bridges history and innovation.
In their first year, UH architecture students study the history and uses of breeze blocks, document them in the community, learn about the material, and design and construct a breeze block of their own. Sustainability is emphasized in the curriculum, encouraging students to consider materials’ environmental impact.
“Part of the students’ research, I was asking them to go out into the community and find blocks and they were pulling in so many photographs,” said Walters. “We’ve identified over 2,000 sites with breezeblocks across the community.”
Walters hopes to inspire future architects to preserve and reimagine breezeblocks for modern use. He explains that their visibility is fading, calling for greater appreciation of these mid-century artifacts as symbols of Hawaiʻi’s post-statehood era.
