Venue for IDA 2010 and Accomodation
Getting there
The IDA 2010 is organized at the Biosphere 2, which is
located 1.25 hours from Tucson and 2.5 hours from Phoenix
airports, respectively. See
visitor
directions and a map.
We will try to coordinate transportation. Please check
the IDA 2010 website as the conference date approaches. The facility is in
the beautiful Catalina Mountains, surrounded by the Sonoran Desert. It is
quite isolated, but ideal for in-depth conversations and collaborations.
All meals will be catered, and a special night-time tour of the facility
will be offered.
Description of Biosphere facilities
The facilities of the B2 Institute comprise a Campus Village of 28 casitas (small houses),
6 classrooms, and 25 double-occupancy offices. All classrooms are equipped
with white boards, LCD projectors and wi-fi. The largest classroom (the
Theater) can accommodate up to 180. Two additional classrooms can
accommodate 40-50 each, and the Conference Room accommodates 20 at the
conference table plus 10-20 on its perimeter. Two smaller classrooms can
accommodate up to 25-30 each and are ideal for break-out sessions.
Outdoor facilities for relaxation and informal discussion are available
around campus, featuring magnificent views of the Santa Catalina
Mountains. There are numerous hiking opportunities in the immediate vicinity
of the campus, with abundant wildlife, including deer, blue herons, coyotes,
bobcats, and more.
Flora and fauna are varied and marvelous in their adaptations.
Come prepared for encounters with native wildlife common to the area.
Accomodation
The casita you will be staying in is a rustic Santa Fe-style house. Each
casita has from three to five bedrooms. The bedrooms share a central, shared
kitchen and living room, but the bedrooms provide complete privacy. In some
cases there are shared bathrooms. The rooms are oversized and feature
high-speed, wireless Internet access and central air conditioning. Be sure
to pack warm clothes during the winter months when it can be chilly on the
property. Please remember to bring toiletries and any appliances you need or
use on a daily basis. Bedding, a set of towels, shampoo, soap, and lotion
are all provided. Additional blankets and an extra pillow are available in
the closet, along with an iron and ironing board. At night, the casita
village is well lit, but the surrounding property can be quite dark. There
is a flashlight in each bedroom.
