Edwin Leo Bauer (1905– c. 1989) was an American architect, whose mid-20th-century work significantly influenced the architectural landscape of Honolulu, Hawaii. His designs, characterized by innovative use of space and materials, played a substantial role in defining the era of Hawaii Mid-Century Modern architecture.

Early life and education

Originally from San Francisco, Bauer relocated to Honolulu in 1940, influenced by Roy Kelley, a fellow classmate from the University of Southern California. This move marked the beginning of Bauer's influential career in Hawaiian architecture. ^[2]

Career

Bauer's architectural career is notable for its contribution to Hawaii's post- World War II construction boom. ^[3] A member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) from 1944, until his presumed death in 1984, ^[4] Bauer's work ranged from residential complexes to commercial, public, and religious buildings, all demonstrating a keen adaptation to Hawaii's tropical climate. ^[5] His projects are celebrated for their integration with the local environment, incorporating natural ventilation and maximizing the use of local materials.

Disappearance and legacy

On March 26, 1984, Bauer disappeared under mysterious circumstances, last seen entering a bus along Kuhio Avenue in Honolulu. ^[2] He had limited vision and Alzheimer’s disease at the time of his disappearance. ^[2] Despite extensive searches, his fate remains unknown, and he was presumed dead 5 years later in 1989. ^[2]

Bauer is considered a seminal figure in Hawaii's mid-century architectural scene. His work, notable for its aesthetic appeal, functional design, and environmental integration, places him among the leading architects of the period alongside contemporaries such as Alfred Preis, George "Pete" Wimberly, and Vladimir Ossipoff. His influence extends beyond his buildings, contributing to the development of a distinct Hawaiian architectural style. ^{[2] [6]}

List of works

Bauer's contributions to Hawaiian architecture include several landmark projects:

• Saint Patrick Catholic Church (school addition, 1950), Honolulu, Hawaii; 16 classroom building connected to the Catholic church
• Kuhio Homes Low Rent Housing Project (1952), Kalihi, Honolulu, Hawaii; 20 unit low rise affordable housing project reflecting Bauer's commitment to social design aspects. ^[2]
• St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church (1952), 720 North King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii; represents Bauer's range of ecclesiastical designs. ^{[2] [7]}
• Breakers Hotel (1954), 250 Beach Walk, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii; two-story, sixty-four-units with Japanese details ^[8]
• Hawaiiana Hotel (1955), 260 Beach Walk, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii; the design was similar to the nearby Breakers Hotel but more modern ^[9]
• Hawaiian Village Hotel (1955; now Hilton Hawaiian Village), Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii; a resort hotel and hallmark of tropical modernism. ^[2]
• Palolo Valley Homes Housing Project (1956), Honolulu, Hawaii; another affordable housing project by Bauer. ^[2]
• White Sands Hotel (1958), 426 Nahua Street, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii; multi-building courtyard hotel.
• Kaiser Foundation Medical Center (1958, demolished in 1986), 1701 Ala Moana Blvd., Waikiki, Hawaii; known for its patient-centric design and lanais, offering views of the Ala Wai Harbor. ^[10]
• The Kalia (1958), 425 Ena Road, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii; a residential building featuring tropical modernist elements. ^[6]
• Harbor View Plaza (1965–1968), 1676 Ala Moana Blvd., Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii; condominiums in with “Waikiki Gateways” special district design historic preservation status. ^[11]

References