MRV Architects won the Merit Award for their design of the Walter Soboleff Center as part of Alaska Architectural Firms’ 2015 Design Awards.
AIA Alaska Design Awards are judged by architects from another state or region that has similar geography and climate. Projects are considered by how they exemplify Alaska’s northern design requirements, sustainability, site and context sensitivity, and innovative design.
In a press release, AIA Alaska said the Sealaska Heritage Institute asked for this cultural center to be created to both preserve and amplify the culture of the Tlingit, Tshimsian and Haida peoples.
AIA Alaska said the design goal was to translate traditional Northwest Coastal design elements into a contemporary facility. The building features vertical plank panels, faced with rough-sawn 3-foot yellow cedar. Glazing is detailed as simple voids between wood elements. The exterior canopy on three sides uses yellow cedar glulams, copper trim and patterned tempered glass. The canopy frames slope up to celebrate the principal entries an homage to traditional clan house post and beam forms.
The interior is organized around a two-story atria, which is closed on the interior face by the “Ceremonial Room,” an adaptation of a Northwest Coast tribal house, including a carved and painted cedar front. The open stairwell connecting three levels is detailed with adzed red cedar on the vertical elements, with hickory floating treads and copper highlights. Integrated artwork throughout includes major formline sculpture at the entry, basketry and textile tile patterns and carved panels using both wood and glass.
The building incorporates public spaces on the first floor, with central atria, exhibit hall, ceremonial room, artist spaces and gift shop. Floor two is office and meeting spaces, with the third floor used for lease office space. The basement includes museum and archive spaces, mechanical and electrical and staff areas.
