The May/June 2009 issue of "Facilities Manager" introduced APPA readers to the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG)--today's most comprehensive Internet-based depository of resources contributing to a systems approach for everything of a building nature. The emphasis in that article was on Operations and Maintenance (O&M) issues and procedures. In…

Doors serve a variety of needs and purposes in schools: (1) Exterior doors provide building security and protection from the elements; and (2) Interior doors control the movement of people among school spaces, help control noise and air flow, and act as flame and smoke barriers during a fire. In a lockdown, they serve as safety barriers. From a…

This article is part of a series that has offered insight on planning a facilities project, hiring professionals, delivery system options and owner's responsibilities. In this article, the author focuses on some of the planning and design concepts one may be asked to consider in providing direction to his design and construction team. These…

Early childhood centers have become a common and necessary part of millions of Americans' lives. More women in the workforce, longer workweeks, and educational research supporting the importance of early education have all contributed to the rise of early childhood centers throughout the United States. Today, more than 30 percent of children under…

Public education is one of the central tasks of a democratic society, and the buildings that house this important task not only shape the way one teaches, but provide icons and symbols for the values people hold common as a society. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this context has placed school buildings squarely in a position of debate and innovation…

The architectural requirements of various electronic teaching systems are discussed in this guide. A section is devoted to audio equipment, to visual display equipment, television based teaching systems, computer assisted instruction, and to student response systems. Within each section specific pieces of equipment are described with reference to…

The coordination of the building components of educational facilities is discussed. The resulting components will be used for a wide range of building types in addition to schools and the recommendation should therefore be seen as part of a widespread move toward establishing a national British 'pool' of dimensionally related components. The two…

General recommendations are set forth regarding aesthetics, acoustics, lighting, temperature control, location, and layout of the instructional media center. Consideration is given to spatial relationships, equipment and furnishings, and suggestions are included regarding basic and advance facilities for primary, middle and secondary schools. (FS)

At the request of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities (NCEF) has conducted "a literature search and review to identify best practices in [school] building design for accommodating the evacuation and sheltering needs of individuals with special needs or…

Consideration is given to--(1) planning the school building to fit the educational program, (2) general findings and recommendations for use of the guidelines, and (3) basic considerations in planning a new school building. Guidelines are then presented for space and equipment requirements for use in the planning of new elementary, junior, and…

Current trends in physical education in secondary schools in England are analysed in relation to the design of indoor physical education facilities. Spaces needed for the study of movement in dance and modern gymnastics are outlined; and the indoor provisions necessary for games, athletics, contests, and swimming are discussed, with comments on…

In this article, the author talks about legibility as an essential component of education facility design. Legibility is concerned not only with stylistic consistency, but also with other design factors that help make a building understandable. Reconfigured interiors and multiple additions can create confusing paths. Illogical assortments of…

Interview with Ezra Ehrenkrantz, architect and advocate of the systems approach to school design.

The report is a discussion of the curriculum and supportive educational facilities for the state of Hawaii. An administrative view of guidance services and teacher programing is included. Supportive facilities are sketched, showing their relationship to such specific instructional areas as music, shop, home economics, drawing and painting,…

Architects of a newly-opened elementary school in Bellevue, Washington, conducted a followup study of teacher and pupil attitudes. The candid comments can be used as helpful do's and don'ts in future design projects. (WN)