Multiple architecture firms were involved in the construction process of the University Hospital for Northern Norway, which went by the name the Regional Hospital of Tromsø (RiTø). From 1982 to 1988, the Motzfeldt's Arkitektkontor worked on the project. After 1988, the Arkisana in collaboration with Borealis Arkitekter took over. After the complex was erected in 1991, the hospital was annexed on a number of multiple occasions, again with many different architects involved.

The hospital complex is organised like wings or slabs that are situated in a north-south direction. A transversely positioned central corridor connects the different sections of the complex. The complex can be thought of as an escalating stairway, in terms of both height and width, which follows the sloping terrain.