Discusses the history of financing school construction, and the condition of America's school buildings, including the age of school buildings, the cost and consequences of deferred maintenance, and the relationship of educational program to facilities. (SR)

PAVE, the Education and Training Foundation, and the Home Builders Institute sponsor a national training model for builders. Carpentry: Qualified Framer Program being conducted in three pilot sites is a 26-week training program that to date has a 100 percent placement rate. (SK)

Examined young adult male patient (n=18) satisfaction with interior environments of three different in-patient drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities: renovated Elk's Club; hospital wing; and facility built for drug and alcohol treatment. Findings indicated satisfaction declined over four-week treatment period; familiar objects were missed;…

Claims that in school reform debates, the condition of facilities that will house the restructured schools is rarely discussed. Focuses on the school facility crisis, ways in which inadequate buildings affect schooling, planning strategies, the consequences of the facility/infrastructure crisis, and the cost of saving America's schools. (RJM)

Discusses practices that a college can use to outsource services and maximize the opportunity for financial and operational success. The importance of data gathering, consensus building, and goal setting are stressed followed by tips on the preparation and completion of Requests for Proposals and recommendations for contract administration. (GR)

School districts seeking an architect should know what they want, open up the selection process, decide on the importance of prior school-design experience, require a screening procedure with a standardized questionnaire, meet the project manager, make site visits, and probe deeply before signing contracts. (MLH)

Discusses how one school put the wasted space in its football stadium to use as meeting places for various district and community activities, a black box theater, and space for displaying student art. Playing field quality and high-tech amenities that enhance team coaching and play and the public's enjoyment of the sporting events are highlighted.…

Presents two Harvard Law School (Massachusetts) classroom renovation projects that helped old, obsolete rooms meet the demands of modern technology. Before and after photos are provided. (GR)

Presents summaries of presentations delivered at the Programme on Educational Building seminar "The Changing Infrastructure of Tertiary Education", including topics on facility and educational quality, university building ownership, and indicators on strategic performance and equitable financing. (Contains Seminar conclusions.) (GR)

Describes how electronic alarm systems can enhance school security by offering constant protection. Discusses the two types of electronic security systems available--hardwire and wireless--the best locations to place detectors, strategies in protecting specialized areas, and the importance of keeping accurate records regarding false alarms. (RJM)

Teachers can use "built teaching aids" or elements of the school building itself to expand teaching and enhance learning. Possibilities include bulletin boards, display cases, murals painted by local artists, permanent information panels, interior windows to classrooms, flags, and bas-reliefs on building exteriors. Playground pavement…

Concerned about the deteriorating condition of existing facilities, a dedicated group of Lake City, Iowa students, staff, parents, and community members completely redecorated and refurbished the school, transforming it into a bright, colorful building--at no cost to the district. The "Make a Difference Day" had unexpected social and…

Illustrates how an alternative high school in Seattle (Washington) used creative thinking in taking space designed for other uses and making it into a user-friendly school. Other adaptations of old buildings to school use are highlighted. (GR)

Claims that almost none of the preschool design literature bridges the interest and technical concern of architects and education professionals. Offers design suggestions for classrooms, outdoor spaces, shared spaces, offices, teachers' space, and a place for parents. Discusses general design issues such as textures and colors, materials, security…

As enrollment growth at Oregon Graduate Institute drew more people to the campus, the need for a central gathering place became clear. An old science building was rehabilitated with a first-floor kitchen, dining areas, plus 2 50- to 60-student classrooms. Renamed the Wilson Clark Center for Lifelong Learning, students and faculty now have a…