In order to sustain strong academic programs and to provide a safe and comfortable environment for learning in the state's public colleges and universities, the facilities that house the institutions' programs must be maintained and replenished. The size, condition, and adequacy of these facilities have an impact on the quantity and quality of the…

Education is often understood as the sole responsibility of parents and teachers. Reggio Emilia identifies a 3rd teacher between child, teacher, and parent: the environment. In its attention to how space can be thoughtfully arranged, Reggio Emilia has reconceptualized space as a key source of educational provocation and insight. In what ways does…

This paper discusses the importance of environmental factors--namely, classroom seating--to classroom management. A specific incident is discussed, whereby disruptive behavior developed in students because of the spatial separation of their desks from the teacher's desk. Solutions to the seating problem are offered in the text and in figures drawn…

To help architectural students adapt to the realities of the work environment, Gerard Campbell of Holland College has set up his classroom as a design office. Working as a team, the students prepare a complete set of working drawings and construction documents, simulating an actual design process. (JOW)

Explains that classrooms and school furniture were built for a different era and often do not have sufficient power for technology, discussing what is needed to support modern technology in education. One solution involves modular cabling and furniture that is capable of being rearranged. Currently, there are no comprehensive standards from which…

Describes issues involved when converting traditional classrooms into smart classrooms that include appropriate educational technology. Highlights include faculty training in advance; flexibility; design considerations; technical support; and an example based on experiences at Virginia Commonwealth University. (LRW)

Considering the modern context of collaborative learning and information technology, details implications for space design, primarily from the field of environmental psychology--the study of the relationship between people and their physical environment. (EV)

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)

Examines whether children make more noise on a windy day and argues that predictions made on the basis of hearsay or intuition may not be proved by rational consideration of experimental evidence. Finds that there is no correlation between a windy day and student noise levels. (Author/CCM)

Describes the design process of a revolutionary high school design that melds technology and the arts to provide students with employable skills that future job markets require. (GR)

Describes the next generation of technology classrooms based on experiences at Lehigh University (Pennsylvania). Topics include learner-centered rather than instructor-centered instruction; size; interactivity; and technology features, emphasizing flexibility and interactive technology. An appendix lists selected classroom technology Web sites and…

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…

This paper examines four key elements in the designing-for-all-children concept for school environments. Designing-for-all-children designs acknowledge that children pass through differing, yet recognizable, stages of development; and that children need usable environments free from physical and social barriers. Key elements address equitable use,…

This paper examines the emerging trend of multipurpose class spaces, including educational trends influencing multipurpose classroom use, and key issues when using these spaces. Issues discussed include room location, technology integration, food services, acoustics, lighting, outdoor space, capacity, and storage. Design principles emphasized…

The author and his third graders personalized their classroom by wrapping the tables and chairs in paper and decorating each one. (SJL)