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PORTFOLIO: EDUCATIONAL
University of Alaska/Alaska Pacific University Consortium Library
Anchorage, Alaska
Programming: Omni-Group, Inc.
Interior Design: RIM Design
2005 Drive By Jury's "Most Original" Award
American Institute of Architects (AK Chapter)
2004 Regional Gold Award for Complexity
American Council of Engineering Companies - awarded to Reid Middleton
2004 Top Construction Award/Meeting the Challenge of A Job Over $5 Million, Vertical Construction
Associated General Contractors (AK Chapter) - awarded to Cornerstone Construction
The University desired to architecturally express the advancement of information technology with a "Library of the 21st Century". Thus, the impact of evolving information technologies was a point of focus for the program and design. Access was provided to the entire range of information resources, including print and audio visual materials held by local libraries, data accessible through the Internet, and digital libraries. A gracious nod to technology of the past was articulated by the installation of a Foucault Pendulum which anchors the facility’s grand stairway.
While the architectural statement is drawn from a technological focus, the design incorporates natural elements of Alaska and its culture. The desire was to provide a visual gateway to the architecturally shy campus. Bold colors and patterns were utilized to enliven the interiors against a dark, northern winter. The pedestrian approach to the entry plaza has a “braided stream” motif, a geometry prevalent in rural Alaska. Visitors enter the library through a 3-story “Great Room” where the supporting columns are reminiscent of oil derricks, a tribute to Alaska’s rich oil and gas history. The finish on the main stairway, surrounding the three-story high pendulum, represents the natural beauty of Alaskan ledge stone.
The library’s design also provides magnificent views of the Chugach Mountain Range. Study areas were placed on a curvilinear wall facing these breathtaking views. To allow an optimal amount of daylight into the study area while minimizing the harmful effects of UV rays on the library’s collection, the exterior walls were tilted out 12 degrees. The high-tech coating for the glazing was also engineered to provide additional protection. Design attention was given to bringing natural light into the core portions of the facility through large sky lit areas. Artificial lighting was of similar concern. Rather than running parallel to the shelves, diagonal rows of indirect lights illuminate the book stacks. This innovative system eliminates shadows and provides consistent lighting levels across the face of the books on the lowest as well as highest shelves.
To facilitate current and anticipated future technological requirements of a “Library of the 21st Century,” there is an abundance of varying sized group and private study areas equipped with both wired and wireless connectivity. And, finally, building on the desire to create a visual icon for the campus, a 60-foot LED light tower crowns the building as a beacon of knowledge, visible from miles away in the dark, northern sky.
This project encompasses the development of a new 126,000 SF addition to the existing 87,000 SF existing UAA/APU Consortium Library. The project was designed to provide continued use of the current Consortium Library building, modified and upgraded to meet the requirements of future library operations. Construction of another component to the project—the 110,000 SF, 300 space parking structure and pedestrian link (skybridge) — was completed in early 2002.
General Contractor for Library Addition -
Cornerstone General Contractors ($22.6 Million; Completed Oct 2004)
General Contractor for Parking Structure -
Nesser Construction ($9 Million; Completed Feb 2002)
Publication -
“Radius Walls For Library” : Pacific Builder & Engineer Magazine; December 6, 2002
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Project Details
323,000 sq ft
Completion: October 2004
Client: UAA/APU
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