Whittier,a small coastal settlement in Alaska, challenges every rule of conventional urban planning: 95 % of its 263 residents live in the same building,a 14-story colossus called Begich Towers. What started in the 1950s as a military complex has become an unparalleled experiment in communal living and spatial efficiency.
A Shelter From the Weather—and an Unexpected Urban Model
Isolated by rugged geography and reachable only through a tunnel with limited operating hours, Whittier has developed a one-of-a-kind way of occupying space. Instead of spreading outward like most towns, it has opted for vertical density,shrinking its ecological footprint while making the most of every square meter.
Las Begich Towers isn’t just housing. Inside the building you’ll also find:
- A grocery store
- A post office
- A church
- A laundry
- A hotel
- And a school connected by tunnel
Everything is designed so residents can live comfortably without braving the brutal winter each time they step outside.
Sustainability, Social Cohesion, and Purpose-Built Architecture
Far from being a curiosity, Whittier may offer a valuable model for future urban design. Its structure promotes functional self-sufficiency and an active sense of community—qualities increasingly vital as the world seeks to reduce environmental impact.
Architecturally, Begich Towers Begich Towers was built to:
- Withstand extreme winds and earthquakes
- Integrate multiple functions beneath one roof
- Minimize travel during the long, harsh winter
A Replicable Alternative?
Whittier’s experience raises important questions:
Could this model work in other remote regions—or even in densely populated cities?
Can architecture itself foster a more connected community?
Although Whittier operates in a very specific context, its core principles—efficiency, proximity, integrated services, and resilience—have global relevance.
Whittier isn’t merely an Alaskan curiosity; it’s a living lesson in how architecture and urban design can shape community life. This unusual “town under one roof” reminds us that sometimes the best solution isn’t to spread outward, but to look upward.
