The "Drum space" has multiple wheelchair-seating locations.

"Accessible features are seamlessly integrated in the design. It is a beautiful building, truly one of Milwaukee's hidden treasures," says Gustave "Gus" Sorenson, government relations director, Wisconsin Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).

The Indian Community School (ICS) of Milwaukee was formed by three women who wanted a better program to educate the children of their community. Their vision was simple: to provide quality education that was inclusive of their spiritual values as a Native American community. The founders provided a solid foundation, and through the continued effort of determined parents and teachers, ICS has been educating children of Milwaukee's Native American community for more than 30 years.

Construction of the new, fully accessible school facility has been completed. The children have enjoyed a full year of learning on a campus that has been custom designed to promote their educational excellence. Board member Mark Denning says, "From the very beginning we determined that our new facility was to be fully inclusive so grandparents, parents, and children could experience all the benefits of the school."

The school board wanted to build a new facility that reflected the Indian Community of Milwaukee, which consists of 12 tribes. They wanted the building to reflect their spiritual values, and they were fully aware that only the right architect could convey the complexity of the space and educational program. They hired one who would be sensitive to the needs of the Indian community. That architect was Antoine Predock, FAIA. He worked with members of the board and architects from the Native American community to create this landmark facility.

The new school is set on a 130+ acre property where the natural habitat consists of wetlands, ponds, and forest. Most of the property has remained undisturbed except for the area immediately surrounding the building. The structure follows the natural grade of the site, and it is carefully crafted to work with the landscape. As a result there are several level changes on the ground floor. These are carefully articulated with ramped surfaces that are part of the general path of travel. They are filled with natural light and are designed as event areas, rather than afterthought solutions. In one of these level transition areas, a small stepped seating area is integrated with the ramp.

Predock describes the site as "deeply spiritual, a site that re-connects urban kids back to their ancestral grounds." He explains that the intent was to keep the natural landscape as intact as possible and for his building to follow the site. "Accessibility is so integral to the site level changes. You can always meet ADA [Americans With Disabilities Act requirements], but to make the building experientially accessible is another story."

Predock also says, "It is an experiential building that follows the site and flows along with the site; an experience that is equal for all." He says the building experience is as if you were watching a movie with episodes, where everyone gets a great seat.

Nothing is standard in this building, as everything was carefully designed. At the main entrance, the school has a grand two-story main space with a reception desk and where the main vertical circulation stairs and elevator are centrally located. The dining area, gathering areas, and drum area are co-located within this space, which opens to accessible outdoor areas and has windows that bring in the beautiful landscape and views of wildlife.


Find out more about the accessible features of the school, the background of the architect, and how you can nominate a project or person for the 2009 Barrier-Free America Award.