Points out mistakes that could be avoided in planning the physical environment of day care centers. Cites importance of considering (1) the size scale required for use of facilities by children and largely female staff; (2) the scope of activities at the center; and (3) the behavior of staff and children. (NH)

College and university administrators are encouraged to preserve open space as an essential campus asset, using thoughtful planning and pursuit of a master plan that includes strategies to preserve open space in the face of powerful pressures for expansion and new facilities. Illustrations are offered from a number of campuses. (Author/MSE)

Summarizes three studies on the effects of physical environment on preschool children's play and cognitive development, and discusses implications for classroom design. Notes that size of play area, and the extent to which the size of structures in that area was proportional to children's size, affected the rate at which children entered complex…

A seven-step strategy for improvement of college classroom spaces is outlined, and specific suggestions are made for designing efficient and effective spaces, including considerations for size, arrangement, seating, lighting, writing surfaces, and audiovisual and other classroom teaching equipment. (MSE)

A University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee building illustrates how an academic building can be ill-suited to its users due to uncompromising adherence to its formal conception. The building is out of scale with its neighbors and unsuccessful in fulfilling human needs, particularly those constituting the latent functions of the building. (MSE)

Through aesthetics, styles, and organization of space, campus architecture has often been complicit in reproducing dominant ideologies and social relations of society, undermining diversity and its possibilities. Architectural scholars, as teachers of architecture, should move theory and practice into new, more critical social terrain. (MSE)

Year-round education is an essential component of California public education. Through creative calendar planning, space utilization is being increased by 25 to 50 percent, depending on the selected configuration. Although growth remains the driving force, there is increasing acceptance of the learning, employment, and lifestyle benefits of…

Presents a system, Program Sensitive Capacity, by which capacities of schools and classrooms can be calculated. Involves consideration of program characteristics, average class sizes, and scheduling efficiency. (MLF)

A preschool staff project was undertaken to develop and implement a more efficient curriculum organization plan and curriculum rotation system. The aim of the project was to provide a healthier working environment by improving communication among the teaching team, organizing curriculum storage outside the classroom, designing curriculum rotation…

Explores questions of renovation or new construction when evaluating older gymnasiums in schools. Discusses the drawbacks of older structures and the relevant issues of building a new gym, such as access and the use of space, daylight, and materials. Offers tips on using the school landscape and provides a case example. (RJM)

Over time, Bellevue, Washington, Public Schools will be able to renovate each of its 27 schools every 20 years. Site-based input for modernization worked in the district's most recent project. At Eastgate Elementary School a team was composed of the entire staff of 20 teachers, plus the principal and support personnel. A center room was created by…

Schools in Los Angeles County, Chattanooga, Boston, and San Diego have established family centers offering space (a room, bus, or neighborhood apartment) where family members can meet with parent leaders and school staff to plan and implement programs and partnerships. Varied purposes, activities, funding, and staffing are discussed. (MLH)

Discusses the importance of creating retreat spaces for young children in child care settings. Identifies special challenges and opportunities for creating such spaces in family child care homes. Outlines research findings detailing the benefits of retreats for children, and discusses the contributions of location, form, and materials in creating…

Key requirements for a successful music program include a supportive environment, constructive communication, an effective floor plan, and quality equipment.Unless music education's value is recognized, adequate resources, funding, and equipment will not be committed. Music programs require substantially more space and soundproofing than regular…

Examines two preschool programs in the New Orleans area in terms of their arrangement of indoor and outdoor space to implement developmentally appropriate practices. Explains that they can serve as inspiration to other early childhood professionals who struggle to create meaningful experiences for young children in "second-hand" space. (EV)