They are a very tight-knit community, so chances are there will be someone in the hospital they know. So, there had to be a number of places where people could meet and talk. Throughout the facility, NBBJ provided natural gathering places that are both large and small, such as the immense main lobby and sun-drenched alcoves for private visiting. There also are places for meditation, an important element of healing for Alaskan Natives who are highly spiritual people, according to Dallam. Here, a large lantern fills the space with natural light, carved wooden snow geese seemingly take flight around the room and a circular terrazzo floor in the middle of the lobby artistically relates land, water and nature.
Native artwork is integrated in a direct and meaningful way throughout the medical center.
At elevator lobbies, artwork that includes handmade baskets, dolls and clothing celebrates Alaskan Native life. Above the handrail of the large staircase that stretches from the bottom to the top floor of the center, small display boxes present precious ivory and stone carvings. The whale bone structure in this seating niche is part of the Heritage Collection, one of the strongest collections of native artwork in the United States. Collectively, the artwork at the medical center is known as the Heritage Collection. It is one of the strongest collections of native artwork in the United States, according to Dallam.