The Museum of the North evokes the topography of the far north. The design consists of four abstract forms-angled, curved, tipped and cantilevered-to reflect the lines and shapes of Alaska's coastlines, mountains, and glaciers. The horizontal layering, seemingly setting the building in motion, reflects Alaska's shifting plate tectonics. Roof planes curve and slope from every angle, playing a critical role in the articulation of form and space. Clad in custom pearlescent-white aluminum composite panels with mica flakes, the addition envelopes the existing building, its metallic finish subtly capturing Fairbanks' varied light patterns. Inside, the museum's heart is a sculptural two-story lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of the Alaska Range, Mount McKinley and the Tanana River Valley......
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