Honolulu dwellers know Ward Village, the 60-acre destination that stretches along the pacific ocean between the beginnings of Waikīkī to the outskirts of downtown. Its Kaka‘ako neighborhood has everything: dining, shopping, outdoor spaces, entertainment, and condominiums. Our mission for almost ten years has been to bring that innate sense of Hawai‘i into each of their nine residential mixed-use buildings.

Each tower has a unique architectural design and is named after the natural elements and spirits of Hawai‘i. The long and thin Ae‘o tower is named after the Hawaiian stilt bird. The Waiea tower, meaning “water of life,” resembles the island’s reflective fresh water pools. The Ke Kilohana tower is inspired by the legend of a goddess who lived among the clouds, matching how residents feel on the upper floors of the building. 

Each signage system mirrors the architectural style of its specific site. We played with materiality and typography, choosing sleek textures to match the aesthetic of Waiea, and elongated text and shapes for Ae’o. The intention behind each building was infused into the smallest signs for a cohesive experience throughout the residence.

Ward Village marks one of Two Twelve’s longest standing client relationships. What began with two buildings has expanded into eight discrete projects. Each one exemplifies our commitment to nuanced, place-based design, combining the highest standard of wayfinding that’s attuned to the location’s cultural context. As they say in Hawai‘i, this is our Kuleana, or responsibility, and we’re grateful it lives on in Ward Village.