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A canoe grew recently on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus, and opened to paeans of praise from students and sponsors alike during its grand opening Oct. 24, 2006. Developed by JL Properties and built by Davis Constructors, the $5 million canoe-shaped building was designed by RIM First People and a cadre of students, Native and community leaders.
The purpose of the building is really two-fold, said Herb Schroeder, associate dean and professor of engineering and the founder of the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program. There is more than 12,000 square feet of collaborative learning space in the two-story building, including recitation rooms, a small kitchen and offices for staff and faculty. Schroeder, however, said there's another purpose to the building-to bring the Alaska Native students together in a community of safety and belonging.
"There are a lot of cool things about the building," Schroeder said. "The students were adamant that the design represent Native culture. The canoe is an indigenous survival tool, people go places in canoes, and people are safe in canoes."
PARTNERS IN FUNDING
Schroeder added that one of the most remarkable things about the building was that partners provided the funding to build it....