Describes some of the ways a nonprofit research institution has applied the concept of wholistic synergism (relationship between meanings and surroundings) to the design of school facilities. Demonstration projects have been created to show how an educational space can be cued with objects and behaviors to embody new meanings that have…

New senior high school in Little Falls, New York, has space for all the innovations educators dream about. (Editor)

Ideas and examples for remodeling or building new schools to turn the school into a model of good ecology include improving the quality of air, combining energy saving measures with the production of food, and separating and recycling wastes. (MLF)

Reviews some of the most relevant research regarding classroom design, draws from this research a number of principles for the design and management of classroom space, and discusses issues that need to be examined with respect to the effective use of the physical environment in instruction. Forty-two references are listed. (Author/CHC)

Reports on Minnesota educators' views of the changes that will occur in secondary education over the next 20 years. Examines possible changes in curricular emphasis and design, instructional design, the nature and organization of the student population, staffing patterns, space arrangements, and time arrangements. (RL)

Notes that the location of any child care center is a key factor in its success. Provides four major objectives to consider when siting a center: (1) the center as a part of the community; (2) access and visibility; (3) desirable and undesirable surroundings; and (4) characteristics of the site itself. (SD)

Examines the notion of an early childhood education center organized as a series of houses around a common core of shared facilities. Discusses examples of child-care centers in Sweden and explores ideas that can promote functional facilities. Suggestions include ideas about physical-motor activities areas, administration offices, centralized…

Describes the design of the Virginia Beach Higher Education Center, a partnership institution aimed at nontraditional students, including the educational context and design goals. Includes information on the architects, as well as a floor plan and photographs. (EV)

Argues that the secret to producing quality child care in the 1990s will be clear, innovative thinking by the center or program director, good center design, and an ability to articulate and sell a vision of quality. (BB)

An architect designing an elementary school for the Lac La Ronge Indian Band at Stanley Mission, Saskatchewan, sought to encompass the cultural aspirations of the community along with meeting federal government program constraints. (MLF)

Describes how to integrate technology into old buildings beginning with an evaluation of the electric power systems. A case study is highlighted showing the process in determining existing conditions, assessing electric power needs, and designing upgrades. (GR)

Suggests teachers be involved in educational school facility planning efforts in order to fulfill educational program needs. The creation or vision process for facilities planning includes the program description, educational program overview, imagining the future, storyboarding, a Gap Analysis to identify program needs, and a force field analysis…

Advice on making facilities facilitate education includes: an educational vision comes first, involve all stakeholders, working smarter requires a systems approach, systems-focused planning takes time, partnerships stretch limited resources, "beautiful" is not expensive, change is tough, building a community is as important as building a…

Details advances that educational facilities are making in meeting the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Discusses the cost efficiency, aesthetical value, and collateral benefits of the design changes that would increase accessibility. Features an ADA resource guide listing five related Internet addresses and…

Provides basic information relating to the different aspects of facilities planning for interactive distance education, including site selection, acoustics, lighting, environmental considerations, and electrical power. The importance of facilities planning during the developmental stages of an interactive distance education project is emphasized.…