As the designer of primary and secondary educational facilities, the author has become familiar with educational thinkers such as Sir Kenneth Robinson, Peter Senge, Ewan McIntosh, Daniel Pink and Howard Gardner--each promoting an approach based on system-thinking, self-directed exploration and multidimensional, interactive learning. In 2009, he…

Des Moines is an urban community located in the heart of Iowa. Des Moines Public Schools serves 32,000 students in a system with 62 buildings, including Central Campus--a Regional Academy. Central Campus is housed in four buildings, including the main campus at 1800 Grand located on the western edge of downtown Des Moines. As a regional academy,…

A tour of four elementary schools illustrates how antiques, plants, child-sized furniture, and other design elements can transform school lobbies and hallways into warm, welcoming places for students. School environments like these encourage children's interest and sense of responsibility, besides adding to their comfort. (PP)

A study of new design features for public schools was conducted to determine what specific design features were being implemented in Virginia's schools. This report summarizes the major trends in facility design that were discovered in the following areas: safety and security features; classroom space; technology areas; administrative spaces;…

This book presents results of a three-year study of children's living and play areas in three cities (one large, one medium, and one small) in Yugoslavia. A total of 1,200 families living in 240 buildings in six developments built between 1961 and 1971 were included in the study. A variety of facilities were evaluated for both formal and informal…

The physical environment has been the focal point of many recent innovative changes in educational facilities. Public acceptance of open space schools as a response to changing educational philosophies has generally been favorable. A problem, however, is not the planning and construction of new schools, but the modernization of existing ones. A…

Argues middle schools must focus on students in its space, textures, color, furnishings and materials used to address academic and emotional needs. Describes Kettering Middle School's mission to accomplish this goal by providing small learning communities, mentoring, opportunities for parental involvement, innovative instructional approaches, and…

The guide describes procedures for designing secondary industrial arts facilities based on careful scrutiny of the educational program which the facilities are intended to serve. It offers a four step general outline for planning such facilities and discusses in detail the following considerations with respect to writing subject area…

Argues classrooms must provide an appropriately stimulating environment that supports learning and provides teachers and students with a comfortable place to learn. Lists requisite factors of the school environment including furniture, aesthetics, color, carpet, building maintenance, decorating detail, comfort, space/design, lighting, classroom…