Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center

The programmatic distribution and stacking of volumes create a pyramidal section, with more floor space at ground-floor level for the new entrance and visitor services. In plan the staggering of the volumes creates pockets and recesses on the north and south façades, concealing the loading bays. The first two floors connect with those of the older building, while the existing central atrium is linked via corridors that form circulation loops on both levels. A cafeteria and shop are found on the ground floor and all permanent and temporary exhibitions take place on the upper floors.

The glass façade is fritted with a striped mirror pattern, providing views out of and into the museum and reflecting the sky and the surrounding mountains. Extensive use of glass evokes a sense of openness and transparency, unusual in a museum building. The fritted mirrors capture the diverse qualities of light and the glass itself has low iron properties for colour neutrality. The concrete structure is exposed internally and a palette of materials and colours including plaster, coloured metal and natural timber reinforces the identity of the rooms. The floors are a continuous surface of polished and honed cementitious topping, and the ceilings consist of suspended metal panels with integrated services and lighting.