Describes the ways in which college classrooms are changing as a result of technology, furnishings, and educational needs requiring more space and different classroom-design concepts. Explains why the traditional tablet armchair classroom is becoming unpopular. (GR)

Presents photographs and the floor plan of a prekindergarten through fifth-grade school building that is designed with teaching and support areas arranged around a large, triangular room that serves as an auditorium, cafeteria, and overflow teaching space. The school also includes a circular media center and rectangular gymnasium. (GR)

Explains how to choose classroom furniture that complements the teaching methodology and fits classroom configurations and needs. Highlights purchasing considerations beyond quality, price, and service. These include standardizing the products being purchased, fabric selection, and aesthetic appearance. (GR)

Presents photographs and the floor plan of a middle school whose split-level design separates "noisy" areas, such as the band room and gymnasium, from the academic wing. The design encourages teaming and flexibility through its classroom clustering and mobile partitions between classrooms. Additionally, all classrooms possess windows and…

Technology is changing the classroom requiring new design features and considerations to make the classroom flexible and interactive with the teaching process. The design of a Master Classroom, a product of the Classroom Improvement Project at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is described. These classrooms are specially-equipped to…

Describes the design of a K-8 school that incorporates classroom clustering around a shared common area. The classrooms are clustered along a linear block of support spaces that resembles a traditional multibuilding educational campus. The school design shows ample use of windows and glass-walled stairwells as well as easy access to outside…

Examines a Florida Montessori school design that does not use air conditioning and is naturally lighted. Discusses design considerations that took advantage of natural surroundings, the architectural approach that helped bring the outdoors closer to the classroom, and the environmental pay-off. (GR)

Discusses student hearing problems and ways schools can help to reduce hearing difficulties in the classroom through use of classroom amplification technology. Explores the benefits of sound amplification systems for both students and teachers. (GR)

Examines the school-within-a-school approach to middle-school design in creating multiple specialized learning environments for students. Discusses planning and designing these types of school environments, with emphasis on not confining or restricting students from experiencing the larger school environment's other functions and activities. (GR)

Notes that a developmentally designed classroom environment supports children's individual and social development; encourages exploration, focused play, and cooperation; provides choices for children that support self-directed learning; and supports the caregiver-child relationship. Offers guidelines for a developmentally designed environment for…

Describes two types of campus space--non-revenue and revenue generating--to illustrate the potential cost savings that can result from good space-management practices. Uses classroom and housing areas as illustrations and explores the managerial implications of realizing cost savings. (GR)

Examines an Albanian suburban school design whose structure is intended to meet the community's present and changing needs, and to stimulate learning. Examines design planning, the school's role in the community, and project costs and includes a drawing of the school's ground floor plan. (GR)

Describes the design process of the nation's largest public preschool noted for its classroom flexibility, an environment suited for the needs and safety of children, ample play space, community inclusiveness, and building durability and efficiency. Discusses the right-sizing of corridors and rooms, furniture kits to accommodate differing teaching…

Presents responses from the nation's leading educational architectural firms concerning design ideas anticipated to have an important role in the design of future school facilities. Ideas on classroom and flexible-learning-environment designs, schools as community resources, generic lab modules, and designs that integrate technology are included.…

While the early childhood field has formed standards to help in recognizing quality programs for children, practitioners seldom use values to guide in selection of materials or to help plan early childhood environments. This book draws on a variety of educational approaches, including Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia, to outline hundreds of…