Dormitories at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire; the entire Tulsa Junior College, Oklahoma; and a student center at Northwestern College, Iowa; are examples of buildings converted from other functions into college facilities. (MLF)

Offers 10 tips for renovating or building school washrooms that enhance user satisfaction while making them easier to maintain. Tips cover all aspects of school washroom design and highlights the following elements of effective washroom design development: user input; ease of maintenance; accessibility; and functionality. (GR)

Investigates conditions relating to the maximum useful-to-detrimental sound ratios present in classrooms and determining the optimum conditions for speech intelligibility. Reveals that speech intelligibility is more strongly influenced by ambient noise levels and that the optimal location for sound absorbing material is on a classroom's upper…

Provides guidelines that school administrators can use to increase student participation in cafeteria lunches. Redesigned features, employee appearances, and use of decorations are discussed, as are using prepared foods and disposable utensils to cut labor time, and marketing the cafeteria to parents to raise their perceptions. (GR)

Written for those who become involved in a library building project, this manual deals with the basics--from appraisal or needs assessment through planning, design, construction, and occupation. It is equally concerned whether the project involves remodeling, expansion, or a new structure and should be useful regardless of the size or nature of…

This manual of facility guidelines examines the planning process and design features and considerations for public school fine arts programs in Maryland. Planning concepts and trends are highlighted followed by planning guidelines for dance, music, theater, visual arts, general education, and performance spaces. General design considerations…

This bulletin provides non-statutory guidance on the provision of teaching and non-teaching accommodation for nursery, primary, and secondary pupils, as well as school grounds. It is directed at the early stages of school projects when strategic decisions must be made about the buildings and site. It follows the steps that designers and school…

Technology available to schools includes a broad spectrum of voice, data and video equipment. Planners need to consider the following subsystems individually and collectively: (1) technology-based products; (2) communications and power distribution to support the equipment; and (3) ergonomics, lighting, acoustics, environmental controls, and…

In selecting an overall color scheme for a facility, start with the largest areas first. The carpeting followed by the walls, then furniture and other accessories. Because color can affect people emotionally and behaviorally, consideration should be given to who will be using the space. (MLF)

A former elementary school teacher shares suggestions for decorating a classroom on a low budget. The article includes tips for decorating bulletin boards and keeping them up-to-date, organizing workspaces and storing materials, and creating appropriate seating arrangements. (SM)

Discusses four factors in designing a school music room that satisfies student, teacher, and school needs. Explores acoustics in terms of cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatment, and mechanical systems. Also examines the floorplan for space, traffic control, and access to related areas. Concluding comments address equipment…

This document presents design concepts and considerations for planning and developing middle and high school family and consumer sciences education facilities. It includes discussions on family and consumer sciences education trends and the facility planning process. Design concepts explore multipurpose laboratories and spaces for food/nutrition…

Discusses the impact of seven contextual variables related to counseling office environment: the initial reception, the name of the center, the color of the room, music, counselor, clothing, seating arrangements, and the room itself. Offers suggestions for improving the counseling process. (RC)

Outlines how an information company--the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI)--designed a new building to house its facility. Problems and deficiencies in the old work space were analyzed using a rigorous systems approach, and an open-plan system was devised to allow for optimum space utilization and energy efficiency. (CWM)

Describes four student union building designs that make students feel more comfortable in their surroundings. Examples show how design can inspire campus life and school spirit, enhance food service and increase the number of cash business customers, and provide a community feeling through the addition of multiservices. (GR)