A study was conducted to assess classroom utilization at a university and to make recommendations to optimize the use of the space available. Seven steps were involved in the study: (1) preparing the inventory of space; (2) identifying the variables; (3) making assumptions for the study and changes to carry it out; (4) calculating mean numbers of…

Describes the Cambridge (Massachusetts) Public Schools' management of physical assets to generate income. Notes the need for board and superintendent commitment, outlines nine steps for developing plans, and considers 13 potential issues. Lists 21 types of assets and their estimated demand and annual income and potential uses, users, and problems.…

The use of instructional facilities at University of Alaska campuses was assessed in 1982 through a comparison of usage rates and prescribed standards. The objective was to assist the state legislature evaluate present and future capital improvements requested by the university and to enhance institutional managerial decisions regarding the need…

Provides a sequence of planning considerations at the University of Notre Dame leading to the decision to construct a "generic" classroom building for use by the entire university. Discusses the building program, determination of its size and mixture of classrooms, and the definition of general purpose "generic" classrooms.…

This article presents a computer program for aiding prediction of how to make maximum use of the physical plant to accommodate the instructional program at a secondary school. It uses Conrad's formula for determining capacity, room needs, and utilization of facilities. The formula, BASIC program, and a sample table are provided. (DCS)

Over the past decade, thousands of new school buildings and renovations have been planned, designed, and constructed in the United States. Of these, only a small fraction will ever be evaluated against the educational needs of students and teachers. This paper reflects on the state of post-occupancy evaluation (POE) in the practice of educational…

Guidelines are offered to help school districts obtain the same level of community involvement as was reached in Tucson (Arizona) by the schools' committee on district facilities utilization. (MLF)

Four bits of precautionary advice are offered for boards in the process of closing schools: work with, not against, the local government; research property deeds carefully; choose judiciously whether to lease or sell; and avoid conflicts of interest. (TE)

Emory University, Georgia, has a space and equipment database management system that maintains inventories and generates reports. (MLF)

The space analysis process, designed by facilities planners at the University of Toronto to address the gap between macro standards and the way they are used at the micro level, is described. Institutional space policies and guidelines, space inventory, and procedures for collecting space utilization data from users are discussed. (MLW)

This paper describes how creation of a varied, imaginative, and cultivated environment can recreate the pleasure of learning. The development of an indoor-outdoor, public-private, and half-climatized glazed (glass covered) space at the University of Dragvoll in Trondheim, Norway, is described. Well-planned glazed spaces can increase social…

This report includes both a collection of 16 papers presented at a national conference on learning resource centers (LRC's) in nursing schools and the results of a survey of participants conducted to evaluate the impact of the conference. Designed to increase the participants' knowledge and awareness of how they might better utilize an LRC to…

The planning process needs to integrate facility planning into the decision-making process. Two case studies are discussed: an assessment of resource-allocation policies for university chemistry research laboratories, and a model for evaluating the utilization of a community college. (MLW)

In Virginia, ownership of unused school facilities reverts to the city or county government. This situation illustrates Total Community Resource Planning, a concept that proposes cooperatively utilizing resources to serve the needs of the total community. Explains the steps necessary to systematize the process. (MLF)

A school business administrator should be equipped to lead a district facility planning effort. Describes the processes of demographic planning, facility assessing, long-range financial facility plan budgeting, and aligning the facility plan with the district strategic plan. (MLF)