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Charles Goodsell, professor emeritus of Virginia Tech's Center for Public Administration and Policy, also suggested that Juneau would be more appropriately served without the traditional dome. A state capitol design reflective of Alaska's culture, history and topography would be more appropriate, he said.

Goodsell is an authority on how space usage of state capitols affects the democratic process.

Mayor Bruce Botelho said Goodsell's remarks will be used as a "reference point" for committee members during the information-gathering process. The committee is considering options to renovate the current building or build a new capitol because of space constraints and other functional issues.

"We do have a valuable current state Capitol, and that building needs to be used in an appropriate way," Botelho said.

Goodsell suggested the new capitol house the Senate and House chambers, governor's office and central space for the public. It could also include committee rooms due to the space deficiencies in the current facility, he said.

The Telephone Hill neighborhood, between Main Street and Willoughby Avenue, is next to the State Office Building.

Meanwhile, a design and construction firm official visiting Juneau this week is interested in possible work on a capitol. Gary Boyd, executive vice president of 3D International in Houston, Texas, met with city architects and engineers Tuesday, he said. 3D International offers project management services to state governments working on capitol construction. The firm is managing work at the Idaho and Utah capitols and the Pentagon and has just finished work on a large complex of state office buildings in California, Boyd said.

Goodsell offered suggestions about how a new capitol's physical structure would foster the democratic process.

Goodsell presented a paper, "Building Democracy Into A New Capitol For Alaska, Ten Ways To Do It." Among the suggestions:

• The building should be visible and dignified, reflecting the culture of the state.

• It should create a separation of powers with opposing wings for the House, Senate and governor.

• It should include a large, central public area and display case for state emblems.

• It should avoid theatrical stagings of power.

• It should avoid emphasis on privilege, minimizing exclusive parking and dining spaces.

• It should have sufficient gallery seating and hearing rooms to encourage citizen involvement.

The committee will host Alan Hantman, the architect of the U.S. Capitol, at 7 p.m. March 17 in the Assembly chambers.