From University of Hawaii College of Education web site: "In 1929, the TNS, which had outgrown its buildings on the side of Punchbowl, acquired land at the corner of University Avenue and Metcalf Street, and a building plus an annex were erected. A large campus with several buildings was planned for the site. However, in 1931, the legislature merged the TNS with the University, creating the Teachers College ... [in 1951] the Regents named the TC Building Wist Hall"
From University of Hawaii College of Education web site: "In 1929, the TNS, which had outgrown its buildings on the side of Punchbowl, acquired land at the corner of University Avenue and Metcalf Street, and a building plus an annex were erected. A large campus with several buildings was planned for the site. However, in 1931, the legislature merged the TNS with the University, creating the Teachers College ... [in 1951] the Regents named the TC Building Wist Hall"
The glamour of the movies is suggested by the tropical palms decorating the side walls and the dramatic swags simulating a sumptuous curtain that frame...
The auditorium walls curve towards the screen, interrupted in each side by a scalloped wall edge where the screen curtain, lit by indirect lighting begins. The effect is further enhanced by the continuation of a vine pattern on the walls in cut-out form over the front exit openings. Globes of light at the center of grilles concealing the ceiling fans neatly combine two functions. The ceiling is further decorated by a scalloped design painted around the light and ventilation fixtures.
The simple interior design illustrates the Streamline theme with the use of painted curves on the walls and semicircular ceiling panels that conceal lights, creating indirect lighting of the ceiling. Instead of a balcony, the rear of the auditorium is raked and separated from the main floor by a low partition and steps.
The stage opening is set back deeply into a much larger proscenium arch. The sloping walls and ceiling surrounding the stage are heavily ornamented in gilt or silver plaster relief; the forms are the abstracted designs from nature and geometry typical of Art Deco design. The stage curtain was designed in separate panels that could be raised individually, adjusting the space to stage productions or motion picture screenings and at the same time introducing a dramatic design element.
The typical proscenium arch has been dispensed with, although it is still indicated by the swags of the valance and the curtain before the screen. Decoration is minimal, concentrated solely on the curved portion of the side walls flanking the screen.
Abstract metal sculptures evoking a pineapple ornament the side walls. Their reflective surfaces and the wavy reflective stripes behind them give a touch of elegance of Regency Moderne to the otherwise utilitarian auditorium.
Palms and flamingos are painted in bright paint on the dark side walls. Indirect lighting panels on the ceiling create a softly-lit interior which dramatizes the tropical scenes. Striped upholstery on the seats adds elegance to the simple space.
The overlapping wall and ceiling surfaces, illuminated by indirect lighting, create a powerful perspective that focuses on the screen. The floor plan (2070001) and ceiling plan (2070001) show how the effect was achieved. Oversize leaf forms decorate the walls. Dark borders edging the ceiling panels accentuate the perspective.
Larger-than-life sculptures of women representing comedy and tragedy flank the stage; such representations are common motifs in theatre design. Both the statues and the surrounding columns are of cast stone. The columns are painted to simulate marble.
This view shows the lower and upper balconies. The side walls were painted to simulate masonry with superimposed pilasters. Lee designed unusual indirect lighting fixtures and shades for the ceiling, side walls and under the balcony.
Lee's design for the ceiling lanterns incorporates traditional motifs such as fleurs-de-lys and sunbursts, while using sharp-edged geometry borrowed from Art Deco motifs.
The Beaux Arts style interior features a proscenium arch framed by pseudo quoins and flanked by giant compositions of paired columns centered by oversize sculptures and cartouches. There is clearly a stage behind the curtain and the organ used to accompany silent motion pictures is seen at the lower left. The perforated panel in the center of the ceiling is a ventilation vent.
The walls and ceiling are decorated with swirling Art Deco and Zig-Zag motifs, accented by a pair of leaping mythical gazelles above the proscenium. Above them a gilded sunburst spreads out over the ceiling, an ornament incorporating the air intake grille of the ventilation system. The fire curtain displays an abstracted version of the Arizona desert landscape. Gilded grilles echoing the design of the box office and topped by sunbursts flank the proscenium above the front exits. The theatre organ to accompany silent motion pictures is at the front of the auditorium.
Mythical gazelle-like creatures romp in the abstract landscape decorating the auditorium walls. Sunbursts top the scalloped border of the scene at the top of the wall. Angular pilasters interrupt the wall surface; they probably house ventilation or sound ducts.