This article explores the characteristics of a successful transition of a school from traditional classrooms to an innovative learning environment. Many schools today are converting traditional classrooms into spaces which are flexible, supporting a wide array of teaching and learning possibilities (i.e. an 'innovative learning environment').…

The paper explores important issues in today's education, not by analyses and statistics, but by projecting readers into the future and then asking them to look back on today's schools and to act like archaeologists--to surmise from all sorts of things they can observe, what was really important to us, what we really valued, how we treated kids,…

This document presents recommended facility specifications for the Milton J. Brecht Elementary School (Lancaster, Pennsylvania) designed to contribute to children's learning through the application of multiple intelligence theory and more recently emerging brain based learning knowledge and theory. The report examines the grade levels to be…

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,…

Asserts that successful classroom upgrades involve an examination of five areas: program fit within an existing building, technology utilization, regulatory compliance, building systems, and aesthetics. A successful renovation project also requires an extensive planning process that includes input from teachers, school administrators, and parents.…

Describes The Walt Disney Company's K-12 school of the future design that was developed from combining the hands-on knowledge of a school district and the curriculum expertise of a teaching university. Several illustrations and a basic floor plan are provided. (GR)

Discusses school design trends for K-12 public schools focusing on such issues as school size, interdisciplinary learning, team teaching, and less rigid classroom structure and more independence for students. Strategies and questions to consider for achieving design goals for the future are highlighted, including classroom shapes for elementary…

Describes spatial, pedagogical, and psychological dimensions of the pottery studio as an art learning environment. Contends that the art learning environment, at its deeper levels, is determined by the philosophic meanings and underlying attitudes of student and instructor as conveyed in their speech and writing. (RM)

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…

Presents the opinions of five school design and construction experts on the future of school facility design and use. Issues discussed involve changes in classroom size, school facilities doubling as community-use buildings, emphasis on life cycle costing on construction projects, the future of modular school buildings, and the possibility of…

This manual identifies the essential design elements of modern, high quality learning environments and includes discussions on facility programming, management, utilization, evaluation, and planning for future technology. Classrooms examined include general purpose classrooms, lecture halls, seminar rooms, and specialized classrooms such as…

Describes the design of notable school classrooms, including the educational context and design goals. Includes information on architects, suppliers, and cost, as well as photographs. (EV)

The legal requirement that special needs students have access to a balanced and broadly based curriculum carries implications for accommodation in special schools. This document offers advice and guidance on the provision of accommodation which takes account of the special educational needs of the pupils, and also explains those factors relating…

Presents K-12 and college classrooms considered outstanding in a competition, which judged the most outstanding learning environments at educational institutions nationwide. Jurors spent two days reviewing projects, focusing on concepts and ideas that made them exceptional. For each citation, the article offers information on the firm, client,…

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)