U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor's Center

Kodiak, Alaska

The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is a gateway to the wilderness that facilitates education, promotes stewardship, and inspires a sense of wonder through interpretive displays focusing on the Refuge's ecosystem. The building form is reminiscent of a ship from which the visitor may have just disembarked, emulated by the wood siding. The 8,500 SF facility provides exhibit areas, a lobby, gift shop, administrative areas, and a multi-purpose space. Opposite this area visitors can access the outdoor deck that offers sweeping mountain views, views of the working harbor, Near Island, and the Baranof Museum. A highlight is the display of a gray whale skeleton which was recovered through community efforts from a local beach in Kodiak. The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is a pristine wildlife refuges and deserved a visitor center which aspires to complement its natural setting. Energy-efficiency strategies focused primarily on the building envelope and a specialized ventilation system that circulates air flow without the use of mechanical means.

2008 Member's Choice Award • AIA Alaska Chapter State Convention

Photography: ©Kevin G. Smith Photography

Community

• Ketchikan Youth Facility
• South Anchorage High School
• Kodiak Fisheries Research Center
• St. Joseph's Church
• Savoonga K-12 School
• Homer Library
• Kodiak Pool
• St. Paul Clinic
• Kenai Community Library
• Camp Fire Cabins
• KANA-Koniag Offices
• Kodiak Visitor's Center