Making the Vision a Reality: Architectural Planning

Building Status

In 2004, BLM selected Line and Space Architects of Tucson, Arizona, to help bring the project to life. The firm specializes in environmentally sensitive architecture. Line and Space completed schematic designs of the facility’s buildings in December 2004. A panel with members from both within and outside BLM then conducted a cost analysis of the designs versus the total project budget. Line and Space then modified some of the building designs according to based on the panel’s feedback.

Line and Space has completed the “design development” phase. This involved figuring out how to translate the vision for the center’s buildings into reality. The process addressed community, resource, and educational concerns. Construction should begin in 2007. Opening is scheduled for March 2009.

Green Building

Architects are designing all buildings for environmental sustainability. Current plans call for the center to meet national qualification standards for green buildings. Some of the site's energy will come from on-site solar panels. The architects will maximize energy efficiency and conservation, natural lighting, heating, and cooling. As part of the school curriculum, students will control how the buildings achieve energy efficiency. All facilities will meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Blending into the Landscape

All buildings of the new center will blend into the landscape and use some materials found at the site. This will decrease their visibility from State Route 159 and nearby points. Construction will disturb as small an area as possible. The size of the buildings will be minimized and open space will be maximized.

Respect for the Site’s Cultural Uses and History

The architects have incorporated some of the structures from the originalranch into the design. This will serve as a way to introduce students to the human history of the site. Native American leaders have suggested ways to include appropriate cultural traditions in the curriculum and site development.

Water

Plans for supplying water to the site are still in development. Several options are being studied. The landscaping will feature native and drought-resistant plants. Water-conserving plumbing fixtures will minimize water use. An on-site wastewater treatment plant will recycle wastewater for reuse in various ways, including irrigation.

Environmental Assessment

Otak, Inc., a planning, design, and engineering company, is currently conducting the required Environmental Assessment of the site. They are assessing plant, animal, water, cultural, and historic resources. Their findings could require changes to the site plans.