The Tohono O'odham built Mission San Xavier del Bac for Franciscan missionaries in the late 1700s and have protected and cared for it through changing circumstances ever since. As part of a massive restoration project, outstanding experts have been restoring the church's painted and sculpted interior and training local Tohono O'odham to be…

The requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerning public school building accessibility are summarized. Requirements discussed include facility design and braille and raised letter signs. (DB)

In a partnership between several tool companies and vocational high schools, students in construction technology classes give new products a fair and rigorous workout at a fraction of the cost of focus groups. The process allows companies to expose their products to students who, in turn, provide critical evaluation of the tools. (JOW)

Although each school district and its bond finance campaign are unique, success at the polls depends on identifying the community's particular voting groups and developing matching strategies. Year-round public-relations programs are essential. Planners should study other districts' successful strategies, pool all available resources and talents,…

Deliberately designing alternative uses for new educational facilities has been utilized in a number of different projects in South Australia. One example is a high school designed to be converted to residential units, commercial office accommodation, and joint school and community use. (MLF)

Situating the University of Thessaly in Volos and Larissa, Greece, represents the idea that the university has a role to play in the community, and, therefore, its facilities are integrated within the city. Describes an old factory warehouse converted to create "a building within a building," while preserving style of the former factory…

Institutions are finding that a campus alumni center can bring a substantial return on the investment, in alumni events, visits to campus, and contributions. Institutions around the country are building new buildings, recycling existing buildings, and restoring historical landmarks as focal points for alumni activities. (MSE)

The Vanderbilt University (Tennessee) chaplain describes and gives his perspective on a "culture war" on his campus arising from escalation of a religious conflict. The role of the chaplain in the modern university is examined. (MSE)

Countless court cases have taught school districts that fairness in general operations funding means more than dispersing funds to the most politically powerful communities. The same holds true for facilities. Equity (allocating resources based on relative need) depends on setting standards, inventorying existing facilities, identifying the…

Explores Lewis J. Perelman's views on how technology will change the place where education takes place. Perelman discusses how learning is being leveraged by technology, and the future of the traditional school building, once cyberspace and hyperlearning invades the educational system. (GR)

Reports on efforts of the University of California and California State University to combine their electrical loads through a joint four-year energy contract and thereby realize significant savings. Recounts difficulties in harmonizing procurement and decision-making processes and the eventual successful outcome. (DB)

There is a national increase in the deferred maintenance of colleges and universities in the United States. The resulting deterioration represents a threat to the capability of higher education facilities to support mission of the colleges and universities they house. A series of questions concerning what the problems are and how they can be…

Identifies the 10 most common carpet problems in school facilities and offers solutions. These include: transition areas, moisture, spot removal, recurring spots, cleaning agents, allergens, wicking, biological contamination, equipment selection, and cleaning methods. Ensuring a successful maintenance program results in satisfactory appearance,…

Every student deserves a school that is inviting, academically challenging, and safe. A Maryland elementary school's appealing exterior and cheerful, warm interior create a welcoming atmosphere for both parents and students. A successful looping experiment that keeps teachers with the same students from fourth through sixth grade helps kids…

In 2000, ASBO International Certificates of Excellence went to Arcon Associates, Inc., in Lombard, Illinois; Barbour/LaDouceur Architects and Ellerbe Becket in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Fanning/Howey Associates in Indianapolis, Indiana; and Tomaino Iamello Associates in Deal, New Jersey, for school building construction/renovation projects. (MLH)