A state capitol building for Alaska

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the physical requirements of a building suitable for the future needs of the State Government of Alaska; and to design a building which will be both adequate and appropriate for the state capitol.

The writer, in order to produce a more meaningful thesis, made a personal investigation of the site. He spent a period of three months in Juneau, Alaska doing research and generally familiarizing himself with all aspects of the problem.

The present congested character of the site makes it of paramount importance to provide as much open space as possible around the capitol group in order to let it be seen to best advantage. Attractively landscaped, the plazas at the base of the government buildings fulfill an important aesthetic function by providing a setting for the buildings.

On the capitol site, several related plazas are developed with contrasting architectural masses. The contrast between the vertical office building and the horizontal Capitol creates a striking architectural composition. The balance between these two elements, gives the true impression of an underlying relationship of functional importance and symbolic significance.

Taking advantage of the differences in the heights of the plazas, the development provides as much space as is practical for parking, trucking, and other service needs.

The principle has been maintained that those people working daily at the capitol must have the benefit of sun and natural light, and a feeling of free space and verdure. Therefore, a skyscraper has been designed for the bureaucracy of the state. This building is designed to allow a flexible pattern of interior areas, which may be easily and economically rearranged to suit changing needs. Similarly, while the main building masses will determine the composition and use of the land area, much of the space can be kept free for future construction that may be in harmony with the pattern already laid down.

Placed within the plazas the capitol buildings achieve their proper architectural importance. One hopes, therefore, that there may develop, as an extension of the city’s planning program, an urban environment of park, waterscape, and residences, a unit properly related to the state government buildings, and one which will create an effective setting for the capitol. There is a unique opportunity for creating a civic center, and for an urban reorganization of important parts of the city in tune with the hopes which are held by the farsighted men who have the development of Juneau, Capital of Alaska, in their hands.