Discusses how as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga expands into a decaying black neighborhood--including donating the land for a public school--not all of the residents support the changes. (EV)

Discusses the organizational and contractual concepts behind making a school's central plant's production more reliable and cost effective. A description of the Energy Services Coalition's contribution to the process and its services are highlighted. (GR)

Explains how modular buildings are uniquely qualified to solve space crunch problems, budgetary concerns, and time pressures when expanding and improving educational facilities. (GR)

Presents several examples of modular building construction being used be school districts to support their need for more space, building flexibility, and enhancement of the learning environment. Comparisons with traditionally built school facilities are offered as are answers to commonly held myths concerning modular construction. (GR)

Reports that Yale University (Connecticut) is 5 years into the most expensive renovation and construction project any university has ever undertaken. The renovations, when completed around 2010, will cost about $2.6-billion and new construction another $400 million. Critics worry about preservation of historic buildings and Yale's intentions in…

A well-planned maintenance program will prolong a new school building's life expectancy and save enormous sums. A maintenance program should include a facility inventory, a building archive, management of punch-list and warranty items, custodial service, proactive maintenance, a maintenance schedule, and energy conservation features. (MLH)

Taxpayers expect school-construction projects to be managed efficiently and in accordance with environmental standards. Phases include selecting an architect and site, stating project requirements, working with the architect, considering environmental factors, getting budget estimates and reviews, and choosing a contractor and project-schedule…

Presents design features of the award-winning Carroll Junior High School (Southlake, Texas) that provides maximum flexibility for its staged expansion into a high school and a rapidly increasing school enrollment. Photos and a floor plan are provided. (GR)

Discusses why an offer of free roofing help for a school can be very costly, as several New Jersey schools found out the hard way. Offers advice on selecting a qualified roof designer. (EV)

Discusses the use of school buildings by religious groups and looks at infringement of freedom of expression rights, accommodation of religious organizations and response to the needs of religious groups without violating first amendment prohibitions involving church-state relations. (JOW)

Examines the controversial architectural technique of combining contemporary features with traditional designs at Yale University's Berkeley College, and discusses whether there is a place for this type of juxtaposition in architectural design. Photos and diagrams are included. (GR)

Examines renovation issues involving 30- and 40-year-old school facilities. Explores ways a school district can renovate old buildings to first-class cost-effective facilities while avoiding excessive transition costs. Discussions include installation of new technology and the resulting wiring demands, and developing more energy-efficient heating…

Explores whether trustee boards should establish a naming-rights policy for donators of large gifts. Suggests that the beginning of a comprehensive fundraising campaign is a good time to address such standards, and offers factors to keep in mind when making decisions about naming college facilities after donors. (EV)

Looks at steps needed to create an effective building trades program: (1) identify political and financial obstacles, (2) identify industry needs, (3) identify local assets, and (4) create long- and short-term goals. (JOW)

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers recently approved a high-speed wireless standard that enables devices from different manufacturers to communicate through a common backbone, making wireless local area networks more feasible in schools. Schools can now use wireless access points and network cards to provide flexible…