Discusses new trends in school carpeting that can help add a warmer, friendlier, and less institutional look to the indoor environment, including benefits in maintaining air-quality control. Carpet-selection guidelines for educational facilities are provided. (GR)

Presents survey results on how furniture and interior design can affect a school district staff's productivity. Productivity experts highlight five key factors for creating and maintaining productive and efficient offices. (GR)

Discusses how one high school transformed its restrooms into cleaner and more vandal-resistant environments by automating them. Solutions discussed include installing perforated stainless steel panel ceilings, using epoxy-based paint for walls, selecting china commode fixtures instead of stainless steel, installing electronic faucets and sensors,…

Provides tips on easy ways to design school restrooms with minimal cost; these design elements will pay for themselves and make a big difference in restroom cleanliness. Also included are ideas for making custodial closets more efficient and cost effective. (GR)

Presents the 1998 winners of Impact on Learning Awards, recognition given to K-12 public schools that have solved real-world problems with design, engineering, and technology solutions. Categories represented include auditoriums, cafeterias, classrooms, commons areas, early-childhood learning centers, libraries, lobbies, and science and computer…

Provides guidelines that school administrators can use to increase student participation in cafeteria lunches. Redesigned features, employee appearances, and use of decorations are discussed, as are using prepared foods and disposable utensils to cut labor time, and marketing the cafeteria to parents to raise their perceptions. (GR)

Technology available to schools includes a broad spectrum of voice, data and video equipment. Planners need to consider the following subsystems individually and collectively: (1) technology-based products; (2) communications and power distribution to support the equipment; and (3) ergonomics, lighting, acoustics, environmental controls, and…

In selecting an overall color scheme for a facility, start with the largest areas first. The carpeting followed by the walls, then furniture and other accessories. Because color can affect people emotionally and behaviorally, consideration should be given to who will be using the space. (MLF)

Discusses four factors in designing a school music room that satisfies student, teacher, and school needs. Explores acoustics in terms of cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatment, and mechanical systems. Also examines the floorplan for space, traffic control, and access to related areas. Concluding comments address equipment…

Discusses the updated version of the Americans with Disabilities Act and how it applies to primary and middle school washrooms. Provides the specifications for water closets serving children ages 3 to 12, as well as other details concerning mirrors and lavatory dimensions. (GR)

Presents solutions to architectural challenges in school interior design; these solutions made the indoor environments more conducive and attractive for learning. Addresses four challenges: making a long corridor look less like a tunnel; maintaining tradition and minimizing cost in a new athletic facility; designing a kindergarten that is secure…

Examines the benefits of the Z-shaped science lab classroom configuration as a means of learning enhancement. Each section of the classroom is illustrated and described. Also discusses construction and cost considerations. (GR)