Improving the school building may well be the most overlooked means of improving student health, safety, and academic performance. Yet in conversations about factors that lead students to academic success, only rarely does the role of the physical environment come to the fore. By downplaying the importance of the building, policymakers and parents…

Schools and universities throughout the United States now appear to be embracing green roofs as one of many environmentally friendly initiatives. However, once a green roof is in place, school managers soon realize they are not the same as typical landscaping. Although they tend to be relatively low-maintenance, the location and highly specialized…

The manual is intended to help school districts comply with federal mandates for physical accessibility and least restrictive settings for handicapped elementary school children. A general introduction to the accessibility concept in chapter 1 considers the historical background, the role of the physical environment, and existing federal…

The role that a good thermal environment plays in the educational process is discussed. Design implications arise from an analysis of the heating and ventilating principles as apply to vocational-technical facilities. The importance of integrating thermal components in the total design is emphasized. (JS)

The eleven articles in the volume concern methods and techniques for designing specialized schools, institutions, and other buildings or accommodations for the handicapped and particularly for exceptional children (both handicapped and gifted). Written by architects and others in this field, the articles discuss incorporation of both psychological…

This review explores which facility attributes affect academic outcomes the most and in what manner and degree. The research is examined in six categories: indoor air quality, ventilation, and thermal comfort; lighting; acoustics; building age and quality; school size; and class size. The review concludes that school facilities affect learning.…

Topics of economical designing and planning are examined in both general and specific terms. Diagrams and photographs illustrate general conditions and principles while the text outlines criteria and provides specific suggestion. Subjects covered include--(1) building design fundamentals, (2) cost comparisons, (3) efficient design, (4) basic plan…

The proceedings of a conference called to institute a dialogue between the architectural and educational professions are summarized. Areas considered include deterrents to efficient dialogue, the need for research, parameters of research (foundational questions; flexibility; furniture, materials, hardware, and teaching equipment; information…