Describes how the North Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church has designed new conference lodges and improved existing facilities to increase flexible space at its camps and conference centers. Outlines the flexible use of bedrooms/dormitories and activity rooms. Includes floor plans. (SV)

Describes how a new arena configuration, the Alpha design, seeks to make facilities more multidimensional, with enhanced acoustics that offer superior entertainment as well as sports uses. Discusses the design's various configurations and its unique features in terms of shape and volume, loudspeakers, private suites, lighting, support spaces,…

Relocatable modular classrooms are valued for their flexibility, speed of occupancy, and economy. Manufacturers advise school districts to seek industry input when writing specifications for portable classrooms and to deal with reputable companies. (MLF)

Describes the design of the expansion of the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) Advanced Computation Building at the University of Illinois, Champaign. Discusses how the design incorporated column-free space for flexibility, cooling capacity, a freight elevator, and a 6-foot raised access floor to neatly house airflow, wiring,…

The traditional two-teacher school in Queensland is high-set, providing two classrooms, services room, and verandah upstairs, and a concreted area underneath. This plan re-arranges the traditional two-teacher school to fit a linear multiple-area plan (which can, with minor variations, be adapted to up to a four-teacher school). The plan…

In addition to cost savings, modular classrooms enable school districts to respond quickly to increased enrollments. Government officials and school administrators have endorsed modular technology because of three major benefits: (1) design advantages; (2) upgrade in finishes; and (3) financing trends. (MLF)

A review of more than 100 educational facilities designs revealed common themes: desire for small communities of learners even in large schools, facilities that reflect the community they serve, and larger, more flexible classroom spaces that serve a variety of subject areas. Also noted was an "everything old is new again" trend and attention to…

Describes the new Ford Building at Detroit's College for Creative Studies. The building's design is intended to "inspire future artisans" with its open setting incorporating flexible space and natural light. Includes photographs and information on suppliers. (EV)

Describes Noble High School, the largest in Maine. The $33.6 million project has 15 separate, 100-student "communities" within the school, which accommodate the district's project-based, team teaching methods. In addition, the facility provides space for myriad community functions. (EV)

Workshop articles address the importance of room arrangement in early childhood settings: "Creating Environments that Intrigue and Delight Children and Adults" (Wendy Shepherd and Jennifer Eaton); "3 Keys to Flexible Room Arrangement" (Elizabeth Prescott); "Mood: The Spirit of Place" (Anita Rui Olds); and…

Modular construction of school buildings offers speed of construction, with 100 percent contractor responsibility for the completed structures. Under negotiated terms, modular projects can be purchased outright or through long-term leasing arrangements that provide ownership at the end of the lease period. (MLF)

Describes the design of a multipurpose addition to an elementary school in New Haven, completed by the Yale Urban Design Workshop. Includes drawings and photographs. (EV)

Presents an exerpt from the text and illustrations of "Building and Learning," an exhibition of the physical development of school buildings initiated to provide historical context for the "New Schools for New York" project by the Architectural League/Public Educational Association. The exerpt provides a sample of public…

Identified are areas to be considered in designing flexible school science facilities, such as educational philosophy and objectives, major trends, and teaching methods; also specific area considerations of site selection, spatial relationships, media and computer usage, various environmental considerations, ventilation, furniture, storage, and…

Discusses sustainable school design and its benefits to the environment, offering examples of illustrative schools. Provides suggestions on site selection (such as using smaller sites and recycling existing buildings), sharing facilities with the community, and construction elements that improve environmental impact (such as flexibility,…