Describes the approach taken by a large architectural firm toward gathering feedback on user satisfaction with educational facilities designed by the firm. (JG)

Between the master plan of a college campus and design of single buildings is the neglected province of "microplanning" small campus spaces. Such planning is guided by campus finances and institutional academic needs; knowledge of the distinctive tradition of American campus planning; and understanding of the particular institution's…

The design of a state-of-the-art on-campus counselor education clinic is described. The floor plan of the University of North Texas' 5,000-square-foot counseling and human development center is illustrated. Recommendations are offered to other counselor educators undertaking the design of similar clinics. (KW)

Reviews designs for learning in the knowledge age, exploring the relationship between learning and the built environment, examining the role of teachers in designing educational spaces, and calling for a collaborative campaign, which relates space directly to changes in pedagogy, curriculum, and information and communication technologies and which…

The main federal support for school modernization comes via the Qualified Zone Academy Board (QZAB) program, which helps districts raise funds and offers low-income schools freedom from bond and loan interest. The Better Classroom Act of 2003 proposes to extend the QZAB program by promoting new school construction. Two other bills currently before…

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…