This article begins by considering the radical changes that occurred in architecture throughout the twentieth century due to the influence of Le Corbusier and the ensuing movement of modernism. Though the building of schools was embroiled in this architectural movement, the classrooms within them remained broadly the same as they had been in the…

Accommodating change in existing buildings on a college campus or in a school district is challenging, but manageable. The key to successful adaptive reuse is thoughtful and thorough decision-making. Why consider recycling existing buildings? There are many reasons, including limited institutional resources, the increasing cost of new…

What should a campus do when it needs more learning spaces but can't construct new buildings? Dr. Benjamin Sill's first task when he became the director of Clemson University's general engineering program was to find space for classrooms and for the advising program. His search ended in the old YMCA building (Holtzendorff Hall), where space was…

The advantages and disadvantages of five alternative ways of using surplus space available to school systems. (Author)

Describes how a Michigan school district transformed several free-standing, "warm-weather" high school buildings into clustered areas connected by enclosed corridors. Space is now grouped by instructional area or the use of related equipment, and the building shell is tight and energy-efficient. (MLH)

Some solutions to surplus space usage in school buildings. (MLF)

Describes a community planning laboratory process held to resolve the issue of reuse of excess school facilities. (Author/MLF)

This is the fourth of seven articles to address the problem of what higher education can do to meet the space needs of new programs and a wider constituency, without resorting to new building. One way to meet space needs is to prospect for available space off campus and by means of rehabilitation or major conversion, to adapt this space to…

With community cooperation, imagination, and marketing skills, school buildings can be converted to other community uses. Tables summarize recent sales in Delaware. (MLF)

An open-air courtyard converted into a three-level bookstore retains its attractiveness with skylighted malls on two sides. Despite construction obstacles, the cost was a reasonable $55 per square foot. (MLF)

Extra space was found in existing structures and remodeled for use as a student center in New York, an art academy in Pennsylvania, and history department office space at Stanford University (California). (MLF)

Renovation and conversion of many old buildings at Davidson (North Carolina) College over the past fifteen years have saved millions of dollars and preserved the neoclassical architecture of the campus. The Davidson shop crews' repair and remodeling projects are described and illustrated by several photographs. (MF)

A three-step plan identifies unused space and puts it to work to handle growing enrollments in static facilities by: (1) comparing with other schools; (2) analyzing space needs; and (3) finding usable space. Photographs illustrate space reclaimed at three schools. (MLF)

The number of students in schools is growing, and school boards are faced with the choice to renovate or build new schools. Terms used when talking about remodeling and building schools are defined. Formulas to use when challenged by the renovate-or-rebuild dilemma and questions that need consideration during the decision-making process are…

Beginning on the front cover, this article recommends planning ahead and involving the community in surplus school use decisions. It suggests turning surplus schools into projects restoring historic buildings and benefitting neighborhoods. (JM)