|
|
.jpg)
PORTFOLIO: EDUCATIONAL
Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program Facility
Anchorage, Alaska
Prime Consultant: RIM First People
Architect: RIM Architects
Interior Design: RIM Design
2005 People’s Choice Award
Knowledge by Design Case Study Conference - American Institute of Architects, NW & Pacific Chapters
2007 Best Presentation - Member’s Choice Award
American Institute of Architects, Alaska Chapter
2007 Most Original - Member’s Choice Award
American Institute of Architects, Alaska Chapter
2008 American Architecture Awards®
The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design + The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies + Metropolitan Arts Press Ltd.
This 2-story facility offers higher education programs to support Native Alaskan university students interested in the fields of engineering and sciences. The design represents a fusion of traditional cultural expression and state-of-the-art construction technology. The building composition was derived from the history and symbolism of an Alaskan water vessel: a quintessential form of engineering, craftsmanship, and communal participation common to all indigenous people.
Wetlands surrounding the slender form afford wonderful view shed opportunities to the north, south, and west, as well as maximize daylighting and solar gain opportunities so critical to northern design. Quiet study areas and public gathering spaces at opposite ends of the building take advantage of these views through large quantities of glazing.
Interior walls and ceiling spaces of the study and gathering areas reveal structural framing to become part of an engineer’s education. The center of the building provides facility services and faculty office space.
Earthy insulated metal panel and porcelain tile systems create the exterior skin of the “canoe” and transitions into an interior palette utilizing native textures, colors and materials to reinforce cultural design intent. Natural tones wash the interiors: snowy tiles, autumn-hued carpet patterns, and accent paint the color of sea ice. Material transitions and accent colors serve as markers of change in the programmatic use of individual interior spaces along a central axis on each floor level.
The wetlands always find their way inside through framed “moments” of the many windows that surround the building on both levels.
<< Back to Portfolio
|
|
 
Project Details
12,250 sq ft
Completion: October 2006
Owner: University of Alaska Anchorage
General Contractor: Davis Constructors & Engineers
|
|
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}