Alaska is a state of the United States known to be a bridge from Asia to North America. Alaska becomes one of the most beautiful plains on earth. Located 150 miles from the North Pole makes Alaska have different forecasts than other places. The distinct forecast makes glaciers, auroras, forests, and various species of animals color the plains of Alaska. That magnificent various kinds of natural scenery will refresh the eyes of travelers. For nature enthusiasts, Alaska is the right choice to be part of the itinerary. In addition to its natural beauty, Alaska is also a historic place with a variety of architectural styles.
1. Sheldon Jackson College, Sitka
Located in Sitka which is the largest city in the United States, Sheldon Jackson College was a school for native children in 1878. This school was designed by Ludlow and Peabody (an architectural firm from New York). Sheldon Jackson College was officially closed in 2007 after completing being a private college in 1967. The building is very historic because it has Revival Tudor style which is popular in 1890 – 1940. This style arose because of the American eclectic movement which was dominated by new inventions from a craftsman in the 15th century. This building has a sleepy pitched roof with grouped high windows. Besides, it was built with various materials such as stucco, wood, and brick. By the various material makes the revival Tudor style is already rare in Alaska.
2. Anchorage Museum
This glass-filled facade was popular in the 1950s until now. Showing a modern corporate style, that was coined by an architect Mies Van der Roe. Glass material naturally reflects the surrounding scenery. Dominated by a rectangular shape with a soft surface appearance, this building is synonymous with urban buildings in Alaska. This building serves as cultural preservation designed by David Chipperfield Architect.
3. Skater’s Cabin, Mendenhall, Juneau
In the rural area of Mendenhall, many rustic architectural style buildings are found where the rustic style in Alaska was popular from 1916 to 1960. The building was built using traditional techniques and natural materials such as wood or stone.
4. Denali National Park Lodging
Denali National Park provides a unique experience for travelers for staying in a traditional lodge that is synonymous with Alaska architecture. The use of wood material responds to the cold climate and warms the users inside. In Denali National park lodging also provides a restaurant area and souvenir center.
5. Holy Family Cathedral, Anchorage
The art deco style was famous in Alaska from 1930 to 1950. It was introduced by Eliel Saarinen in 1922 which emphasized decorative elements rather than stylistic ideology. In the Holy Family Cathedral, the art deco element is seen in the vertical emphasis and the flat roofline, besides featuring white and high stained-glass windows.
6. Arctic Brotherhood Hall, Skagway
This building is covered with 8800 driftwood. Charles walker collects driftwood on the Skagway coast and creates an extraordinary Victorian rustic architecture. Alaska seems to have an architectural treasure that must be visited.
7. Seuss House in Talkeetna
This unique house was built by an architect named Theodor Seuss Geisel. He combined the Victorian house with wood material. A terraced house that seemed to be falling was erected in the middle of the forest so that it contrasted with the surrounding trees. The shape of the house building was inspired by a treehouse whose mass was getting smaller and soaring upwards. Its uniqueness makes city residents call it Dr. Seuss House.
8. Hilda Dam Cabin
Surrounded by the beauty of Ben Mountain that stretches in Mendenhall Valley, this cabin is visited by travelers every year. The cabin concept in the mountains is the dream of hikers after enjoying the trip. This cabin is a new project idea that provides a place of rest for nature enthusiasts because previously there was no such place in Juneau.
9. Hotel Aurora Villa, Fairbanks
Fairbanks is a place famous for the beauty of auroras. Many people in the world who want to be able to directly enjoy the beauty of the aurora at night. Hotel Aurora Villa provides a space experience that is different from other parts of the world by giving views of the aurora, designed by Sparano + Mooney Architecture using sustainable and energy-efficient materials.
10. Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center
This building uniquely combines zones of public, private, and non-profit space using cultural elements blended with nature. This building provides theater space, souvenir shops, administration rooms, and communal space. Here, visitors are treated to a variety of interesting dioramas such as landscapes, animals, plants, and rocks that seem to be real.
11. University of Alaska Museum of the North
Located in the city of Fairbanks, this building was designed by the GMD / HDA Architectural team. With the concept of shape that expresses the shape of glaciers, auroras, rivers, and the natural beauty of Alaska. Here, visitors are treated to an exhibition area and a special collection from the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery. This museum provides various functional spaces such as collection rooms, research rooms, family rooms, and laboratories.
12. The Aurora Ice Museum
The Aurora Ice Museum provides an amazing space experience for visitors with ice sculptures and dioramas. Then, what distinguishes it from other places is the landscape of the building under the aurora. Besides, The Aurora Ice Museum is also the largest in the world.
13. Historical Site in Skagway
Skagway is one of the most historic cities in Alaska. On the coast of this city, there are ancient buildings with wooden materials adorning your journey. Attractive colorful paints make this place suitable for photography. These buildings are buildings that are under the preservation of National Park.
14. Nagley’sGrocery Store, Talkeetna
This historic building with log material is the oldest shop in Talkeetna, Alaska. With the tagline “Established Before Most of You Were Born”, this shop was built in the early 1900. Then, what makes it unique is that it is built using natural materials taken from around the area. In 1997, this shop was burned down and rescued by volunteers and witnessed the history of Talkeetna.
15. States of Alaska Library Archives Museum, Juneau
The museum, located in Juneau, balances thousands of books, documents, artifacts, and various witnesses of Alaskan history. The uniqueness of this building gets the 2017 AIA Alaska Design Awards for Excellent Architecture. The building looks as if it has wings made of concrete to provide good thermal comfort for the building.
