Bjarne Dahl

Bjarne Cato Dahl (1897–1989) was an American architect, known for his significant contributions to the architectural landscape of Hawaii from the 1920s to the 1940s. Dahl's architectural career initially took root in California before he established himself in Hawaii, where he became a key figure in shaping the region's unique architectural identity. His work is characterized by a synthesis of modernist principles and local Hawaiian elements, marking a distinct period in the evolution of Hawaiian architecture.

Dahl's portfolio in Hawaii encompasses a diverse range of projects, including residential, commercial, and public buildings, each reflecting his distinctive architectural style. A notable example of his work is the Cooper Apartments in Waikiki, constructed in 1939. Originally designed as a residential complex, this building is a testament to Dahl's innovative approach, blending modernist and local Hawaiian aesthetics. It has since been adapted for commercial use, demonstrating the enduring relevance of Dahl's architectural vision.

Early life and education
Bjarne Cato Dahl was born on March 23, 1898, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Catherine (née Beutlich) and Cato Markus Dahl. He attended grammar schools in Chicago; and graduated in 1916 from Lane Technical High School (now Lane Tech College Prep High School).

In pursuit of his architectural education, Dahl attended the Chicago Technical School (later DeVry University), graduating in 1918. Following his graduation, Dahl worked for the renowned architect Julia Morgan in California for five years. From 1919 until 1925, Dahl lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. This experience under Morgan, a pivotal figure in American architecture, significantly influenced his architectural style and philosophy. Dahl's time with Morgan included work on notable projects such as the Hearst Castle, further honing his skills and understanding of architectural design.

Architectural style and influences
Dahl is recognized for his unique blend of Moderne and Art Deco styles. His architectural approach was marked by a synthesis of functionalism and aesthetic richness, a characteristic seen in his projects like the YWCA building in Honolulu.

Dahl's style evolved under the influence of his early work with Julia Morgan, known for her eclectic and historical styles, including the famous Hearst Castle. This experience imparted a foundational understanding of blending historical styles with modern sensibilities, which Dahl later adapted in his Hawaiian projects.

In Hawaii, Dahl's work was a testament to his ability to integrate Western architectural principles with the local cultural and environmental context. His designs often featured streamlined forms typical of Moderne architecture, combined with the decorative and geometric details of Art Deco, creating a distinctive style that was both functional and visually appealing.

Dahl's architectural legacy in Hawaii is significant for its unique interpretation of Moderne and Deco styles within the Pacific setting, showcasing his skill in adapting to regional needs while contributing to the broader architectural movements of his time.

Career
After graduating from the Chicago Technical School in 1918, Dahl began his architectural career working with the notable American architect Julia Morgan in California.

He came to Hawaii in 1926 as the supervising architect for Morgan's YWCA on Richards Street. Upon completion of the job, Dahl turned down a partnership with Morgan and decided to make Hawaii his home. Dahl's move to Hawaii marked a significant shift in his career. In Hawaii, he became a prominent figure in the architectural scene, particularly during the 1930s to 1960s. His work in Hawaii is characterized by a blend of modernist architecture with local Hawaiian influences, contributing to the development of a unique architectural identity for the region.

Dahl took a job as an architectural drafter for the Territorial Department of Public Works in Hawaii, began working on projects related to the Kaneohe State Hospital in 1926. Dahl took over the position of territorial architect in 1928, upon Edwin C. Pettit departure, and served until 1935. During his time with the Territorial Department of Public Works he designed many of the buildings at Kalaupapa, this experience was instrumental in shaping his architectural style and philosophy. Over his time working on the Kaneohe State Hospital project he designed 5 of the 15 buildings on the grounds, four additional ward buildings for patients requiring special care. Dahl continued the same Spanish Mission Revival style as the original buildings.

Dahl's architectural legacy in Hawaii extends beyond individual projects. He played a key role in shaping the modernist architectural movement in the region, influencing the design and construction of various residential, commercial, and public buildings. His work is recognized for its distinctive style, blending modernist principles with the cultural and environmental context of Hawaii.

Dahl & Conrad
Dahl co-founded the architectural firm Dahl & Conrad in 1936, which played a pivotal role in shaping the architectural landscape of Hawaii. His partner, Conrad W. Conrad, was known for his design expertise and focus in Landscape Architecture, complementing Dahl's architectural vision.

Dahl & Conrad's portfolio includes several notable projects that exemplify their modernist approach. The Cooper Apartments in Waikiki, designed by Dahl, are a prime example of their work, showcasing a blend of tropical modernism and modern architectural principles. The firm's influence extended to various residential, commercial, and public buildings, significantly contributing to the modernist movement in Hawaii.

Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor during World War II Dahl's partner Connie Conrad entered his family's jewelry business, thus dissolving the firm they had built together. Dahl decided to serve as an engineer in the U.S. Armed Forces, from 1941 to 1944.

They were the most prolific, pre-war modern design firm in the Islands and handled many of the walk-up apartment projects constructed in Waikiki prior to World War II.

Notable projects

 * Hearst Castle (1919), supporting Julia Morgan
 * Honolulu YWCA (1927), construction management for Julia Morgan
 * Eckerdt Building, Kaneohe State Hospital (1931)
 * Haloa Building, Kaneohe State Hospital (1933)
 * Gas Station / Post Office / General Store, Kalaupapa (1934)
 * Cooke Building, Kaneohe State Hospital (1935)
 * Lokai Building, Kaneohe State Hospital (1935)
 * Waipa Building, Kaneohe State Hospital (1935)
 * Topping residence (1938) by Dahl & Conrad
 * Cooper Apartments (1939) by Dahl & Conrad, Waikiki, Hawaii

Personal life
Dahl married Eve Christine Peterson in 1929. Their son, Bjarne "Barney" Berthold Dahl Jr. was born in 1930 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was sent to California to be taken care of and mentored by Dahl's family friend and previous boss Julia Morgan following the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. Dahl Jr. followed his father's footsteps becoming an architect focusing on historical restoration.

Accounts of Dahl's life after 1941 vary, with some sources state him and his wife leaving Hawaii and not returning again, other's stating that he remained in Hawaii but no longer practiced architecture professionally. The Dahls relocated to Los Altos towards the end of World War II and became involved with the Cardinal Hotel in Palo Alto, California. He opened a drafting firm in Palo Alto after the move.

The Dahl's purchased the hotel with his brother in-law George and Sigrid Benedict who also relocated from Hawaii at this time. In 1950 they rehabilitated the hotel and reopened it as the “New Cardinal Hotel.” The Dahl family, in the third generation in 2019, still owns and manages the Cardinal Hotel.

He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Los Altos. He remarried Thelma Dahl, sometime after his first wife's death in 1970.