Education institutions rely heavily on good HVAC systems. Maintaining these systems can be expensive and are a significant factor in operating costs. Energy conservation is a real resource that is often overlooked. This article addresses what causes energy waste, how schools can find sources of energy waste, and how schools can improve…

With careful layout and improved equipment, schools can enhance security and improve hygiene in their restrooms by installing products such as low-consumption, pressure-assist toilets (to reduce water consumption); sensor-operated plumbing fixtures (to improve hygiene and reduce vandalism); and automated-control systems (to regulate timing,…

Explains the need for attention to library environment in terms of conservation, disaster planning, and external environmental factors. Discusses measures adopted at the University of the West Indies Trinidad related to operation and maintenance of buildings and physical plant, describes a workplace evaluation project, and examines factors…

Describes the efforts of School Works, a not-for-profit company in the United Kingdom which has developed a secondary school design process that enables communities to create unique school buildings that cater to their own particular needs. Discusses its work with Kingsdale Secondary School in south London. (EV)

Describes the design of notable school common areas, including the educational context and design goals. Includes information on architects, suppliers, and cost, as well as photographs. (EV)

Presents factors to consider when determining roofing life-cycle costs, explaining that costs do not tell the whole story; discussing components that should go into the decision (cost, maintenance, energy use, and environmental costs); and concluding that important elements in reducing life-cycle costs include energy savings through increased…

Describes the School of Music and Fine Arts at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Florida, which was built to be visually appealing and acoustically superb, and the Samuel H. Smith Center for Undergraduate Education at Washington State University, which was designed to reflect the latest teaching methods and features flexible spaces and a computer…

Hundreds of variables must be considered when undertaking even the smallest construction project. When renovating a still-occupied seven-hundred-bed residence complex, however, the details to manage seem endless. Effective communication among all parties--especially students--is essential to completing the project successfully. (Author)

Physical facilities represent a substantial investment for institutions of higher education, and the costs for maintenance and operation represent a sizable part of the annual operating budget. Higher education is moving toward a comprehensive form of facilities management to assure that this investment is adequately preserved and effectively…

Two logic models are presented to explain voter turnout and voter choice for a referendum considering a millage increase to finance a new high school building. The models incorporate attitudinal, demographic, and economic variables. This approach suggests that interested parties (like school officials) can influence referendum outcomes. Includes…

Discusses the importance of the school building in U.S. education from 1820 to the present. Notes that the schoolhouse became a representation of U.S. cultural values and ideals. Explores how this reverence for the place of learning has affected and been affected by educational change. (KO)

A collection of captioned photographs illustrates the range of campus construction needs, projects, and considerations in current efforts to catch up with the results of deferred maintenance and improvement. (MSE)

This lesson plan introduces seventh-ninth graders to Frank Lloyd Wright and shows how nature influenced and inspired the design of his home and studio. Students will: identify natural design elements from the house, apply their awareness of form to their own natural and built environment, and create designs based on natural forms they find…

Analyzes Kansas statewide data on school building condition, capital outlay funding, and other fiscal aspects. Finds 32 variables that contribute to school districts' ability to sustain effective capital outlay programs. Concludes that district wealth significantly affects building condition and capital project planning, and suggests special…

The School Zone Institute has developed a process used to bring together all elements that should be considered in designing educational facilities. Appended are 44 references. (MLF)