When Barack Obama formally accepts his nomination as the Democratic candidate for president, he'll address an enormous audience. Instead of speaking at the Pepsi convention center in Denver, he'll head over to INVESCO Field at Mile High, home stadium of the Denver Broncos. Just how big is the Broncos' stadium? With 1.7 million square feet of space, it has enough seats for 76,125 spectators.

^{Photo: The Denver Broncos' Stadium, INVESCO Field at Mile High, in Denver, Colorado. © Ronald Martinez / Getty Images}

Choosing a college is one of life's biggest decisions, so it's no wonder that the new school rankings published by US News & World Report are causing such a stir. Students want to know which schools are best. But, frankly, I'm relieved to learn that more and more colleges are refusing to participate in US News survey. When it comes to architecture, there are so many better ways to evaluate a school.

One great resource is America's Best Architecture & Design Schools (compare prices) published by DesignIntelligence. This detailed manual has all sorts of charts, graphs, data, and analysis for schools of architecture, landscape architecture, industrial design, and interior design.

Of course, even a book like the DesignIntelligence manual can't tell you which school is best for your own particular needs. Here's how to choose the best school for architecture >

More:

How to Become an Architect

Graduate Programs: Databases & Rankings

We'll be seeing a lot of Denver, Colorado this week as all eyes focus on the Democratic National Convention. But let's not keep architecture on the sidelines. Writing for the Rocky Mountain News, reporter Mary Voelz Chandler has compiled a helpful list of 10 buildings worth the trip (plus 5 you may want to miss). And, in the New York Times, check out Kirk Johnson's story about Denver's massive, unconventional outdoor art.

More Denver Architecture:

Pepsi Center, site of the Democratic Convention

INVESCO Field at Mile High, site of Barack Obama's acceptance speech

Denver Capitol Hill Photo Tour

Denver Art Museum

Richardsonian Romanesque in Denver

American Architect Charles Follen McKim was born on August 24 in 1847. With his partners at McKim, Mead & White, he became known for relaxed Shingle Style houses with open floor plans. McKim and his firm also designed grand public buildings like the Boston Public Library and Pennsylvania Station in New York City.

^{Photo: The Shingle Style Isaac Bell House in Newport, RI by McKim, Mead and White. © Flickr Member Revjim5000}