A new school in Atlanta has been designed as a teaching aid in itself. Experts answer questions asked at the building site by the children who will use the facility. (Author)

California's Mission College was designed as a core that will expand as enrollment grows. It is carpeted with tiles that can be moved later. (Author)

Describes the creative process in designing an elementary school courtyard to be a single, engaging expression of connected spaces organized around a single large object: a rebar dome. Photos and concept drawings are included. (GR)

Describes three projects showing that originality prevails in residence hall design. One creates a European feel in an urban neighborhood, one is an apartment renovations, and one supports group learning. Photos are included. (GR)

Discusses the $5.7 million dollar restoration and adaptive use of Arizona State University's Old Main building, which was constructed in 1895. The project required demolishing an addition to the building that was added in the 1950s and restoring the 1895 exterior and north facade with its two balconies and monumental stair, which now serve as a…

Discusses the university design-intensive facility: an architectural expression of and for the school that speaks to its values and authenticity. Examples are highlighted illustrating how design expression is being realized on several campuses. (GR)

Shows how architectural design can merge ecological living and learning as illustrated by the Wolf Ridge's new Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minnesota. Photos and design details are provided. (GR)

Discusses the symbolic statement made by schools' entrances and lobbies and explores design issues of these areas. (EV)

Reveals the design features of University of Utah campus facilities that would be used to accommodate athletes and spectators during the 2002 Winter Olympics. (GR)

Seattle Public Schools recently underwent a revolutionary change in their educational specifying process. Led by facilities Executive Director John Vacchiery and Director Nan Stavnshoj, the district now requires that all new or remodeled middle and high school projects funded by the district follow a student centered dynamic, rather than a…

Showing up at school is critical to a student's success. Students with prolonged or chronic absences from the classroom are likely to fall behind in their studies, and schools with high absentee rates risk the erosion of badly needed funding. As such, it is vital for school and university learning spaces to be environments that do not jeopardize…

Education administrators do not have to be deeply committed to the ecology movement to see the value of conserving energy and providing more environmentally friendly facilities. Reducing energy costs frees up funds for learning programs. Providing more healthful facilities can help students and teachers ward off illness and disease and perform…

The decision to develop a transportation master plan for a school or university is often is a gradual process determined by changes that might have seemed insignificant in the beginning, but have combined to create problems that no longer can be ignored. Many circumstances can bring to light the need for a transportation master plan. In some…

Modern design and planning are routinely confounded by endemic conditions of deep fragmentation, rampant bureaucratization, and ineffective regulation. Such barriers hamper our ability to succeed in the execution of responsive, responsible, and superb ventures. Added to the mix are cost escalation, outdated technologies, cumbersome techniques,…