Defining the North
Alaska - the Last Frontier.
“Last Frontier” in reference to Alaska is typically used to refer to its place as one of the last natural environments to be heavily developed by man. We see “Last Frontier” as a literal hint to its latent potential to become a leader in new fields of study and exploration.
Never has it been clearer what that future is. The future of the state is not oil. The strength of Alaska is the natural environment but not in a take-it mentality. It is a place of extremes. It is unforgiving. It is vast. It has all kinds of challenging givens.
The natural world is in a constant state of flux - whether that be the quality and quantity of light or the force of the wind. All these variables in nature create a unique set of input to use as tools to further design. They require a strong stance. Alaska is full of extremes from the natural world. Extremes help further design.
Design Matters.
Design is a noun and a verb. “A design” is a plan and/or set of specifications that represent an object or event. “To design” refers to the act and process of creating that set of specifications that represent said object/event.
Each object/event comes along with a unique set of givens that help define the particular Design Challenge. The design process helps mediate between us and the natural world by creating manmade objects that help solve issues at all scales involved in our everyday.
These Real World objects that we design have the potential to leave lasting legacies. In the execution of the designed thing we have the opportunity to stake a claim to the ideals of our community, elevate the everyday and bring joy into the world. Minimally, we get the chance to use materials wisely.
