Acclaimed architects unveil plans for the Obama Presidential Center library in Hawaii

Three teams of internationally acclaimed architects just unveiled proposals to build Barack Obama's presidential library in Hawaii. The <a href="http://www.hawaii.edu/" target="_blank">University of Hawaii</a> commissioned firms including <a href="http://snohetta.com/" target="_blank">Snøhetta</a>, <a href="http://wcitarch.com/" target="_blank">WCIT Architecture</a>, <a href="http://www.alliedworks.com/" target="_blank">Allied Works</a>, <a href="http://www.mos-office.net/">MOS</a>, and <a href="http://www.workshop-hi.com/">Workshop-Hi</a> to propose designs for the building as part of the state's bid to construct the new Obama Presidential Center near the Kaka'ako Waterfront Park in Honalulu.

Snøhetta teamed up with WCIT Architecture to design a building inspired by <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/marine-life/" target="_blank">marine life</a> - and they came up with a courtyard building inspired by coral polyps.

Hawaii is up against the University of Chicago and Columbia University in New York, which are the current favorites to win. But Hawaii hopes to earn the honor with a proposal that includes a multi-use center for education, including a Global Youth Leadership Academy and a museum.

<a href="http://www.alliedworks.com/" target="_blank">Allied Works</a> submitted a proposal that consists of a cluster of pavilion-like structures connected by a twisting roof.

The elegant structure has teardrop-shaped openings and features three parts that represent Land, Community and Integrity.

The third proposal is by New York-based studio <a href="http://www.mos-office.net/">MOS</a> and Honolulu-based firm <a href="http://www.workshop-hi.com/">Workshop-Hi</a>, who designed a series of small spaces connected by a green roof that celebrates <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/hawaii/" target="_blank">Hawaii's</a> chain of interconnected islands.

The winning design will be announced in March 2015.