Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center
Sean Aihart/NBBJ

Design of Alaskan clinic reflects culture of patients

Building 'shouts' the Athabascan culture in its colors, forms and artwork

By Healthcare Facilities Today


When NBBJ, a  Seattle archectural firm, was hired to design the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center (CAIHC) in Fairbanks, Alaska, the firm had already conducted an 18-month cultural study that informed the planning and design of a hospital and three clinics in the Anchorage region, according to an article from Healthcare Design magazine's website.

But with the new project, the architects had to meet the specific needs of the Athabascan people of the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC). 

“They wanted a building that shouts the Athabascan culture,” says Chuck Kolb, NBBJ project manager.

The focus is CAIHC’s main lobby, which serves as a larger gathering area that encourages social interaction. Its circular shape emphasizes the native way of life and connecting people in spirit. The building’s colors and forms reflect the strong seasonal colors of the Alaskan Interior and the beadwork images on the glass fins outside the windows cast lightly colored shadows inside the clinic, according to the article. 

Read the story and view the image gallery.

 

 

 

 



September 18, 2013


Topic Area: Architecture


Recent Posts

Designing for Access: Addressing Pharmacy Deserts with Flexible Solutions

Design is an increasingly important consideration for closing the gap in pharmaceutical access.


Baylor Scott & White Health Set to Open New Texas Medical CenterĀ 

The new 40-acre campus will offer communal green spaces, more than two miles of trails, health and wellness events and activities for everyone to enjoy.


The Future of Backup Power Systems in Healthcare Facilities

Manufacturers discuss what trends are shaping the future of backup power systems in healthcare.


Infection Control is Key to Ongoing Measles Outbreak

Infection control is essential to protecting both patients and staff from contracting measles.


Kaiser Permanente to Open New Parker Medical Offices

It also announced it's in the early stages of planning a rebuild and expansion of its Westminster Medical Offices.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.