The physical alterations to the Northwest Coast Hall, made in collaboration with the architect Kulapat Yantrasast of the firm wHY, are subtler. The transitions between eight alcoves and four corner galleries that represent 10 nations were opened up. “It’s not a radical departure,” said Lauri Halderman, vice president for exhibition. “It’s down in the details.” Formerly bordered on three sides, the alcoves have been reconfigured with walkways that ease visitor circulation and, on a conceptual level, reflect the porosity between these communities.