An International Arctic Research Center
Architectural Drawing by Kumin and Associates,
Inc., and Kaplan/McLaughlin/Diaz
Scientists from around the world will work together on global research in a new center designed to attach to the west side of the Geophysical Institute's Elvey Building.
The new 100,000 square-foot building will become the headquarters of an International Arctic Research Center, which will house experts on arctic phenomena from several countries.
Construction of the center, scheduled to start in June, is financed by funds from the government of Japan, the state of Alaska, the U.S. National Science Foundation, the Fairbanks North Star Borough, the North Pole City Council, private donations, and the sale of revenue bonds from the University of Alaska.
The center, which is expected to be ready for occupancy in 1998, will contain a variety of laboratories, classrooms, computer facilities, office space for faculty and graduate students, and public information areas.
Atmospheric scientists from the Geophysical Institute will be among the first to move into the new center, along with the institute's Keith B. Mather Library, the Map Office, the Geo-Data Center, and the Photo-Graphics Service Center.
Scientists from universities in Japan who participate in arctic research also plan to occupy the buildings, along with several major research organizations, including the National Space Development Agency of Japan, the Japan Marine Science and Technology Center, and Japan's National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention.
The federal groups from the United States set to occupy the building include the Fairbanks Forecast Office of the National Weather Service with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the College International Geophysical Observatory of the United States Geological Survey.