Presents educational exhibition space/galleries considered outstanding in a competition, which judged the most outstanding learning environments at educational institutions nationwide. Jurors spent two days reviewing projects, highlighting concepts and ideas that made them exceptional. For each citation, the article offers information on the firm,…

Describes the award-winning designs of several elementary schools, including the educational context and design goals. Includes information on the designers and construction costs. Also includes the floor plan and photographs. (EV)

An annual survey of school maintenance and operations (M & O) funding concludes, among other detailed findings, that budgets continue to shrink in the face of a weak economy--the sixth year of dropping budgets and the smallest level since the survey began. (EV)

Offers design guidance for school restrooms, emphasizing the importance of keeping them sanitary and functional. Addresses the issues of building codes and American with Disabilities compliance. (EV)

Describes how techniques such as occupant control, careful sizing of the HVAC equipment, and using a direct digital control (DDC) system have helped the James L. and Evelena S. Oakes Hall at Vermont Law School to be environmentally friendly and save energy. (EV)

Discusses four steps to take before starting a major design and construction expansion program: (1) prepare a space program; (2) prepare a detailed conceptual estimate; (3) rank projects in order of importance; and (4) organize the institution to act effectively. (EV)

Describes the award-winning designs of 35 elementary schools. Includes construction details and photographs. (EV)

Describes the award-winning designs of 21 middle schools. Includes construction details and photographs. (EV)

Describes the award-winning designs of 30 high schools. Includes construction details and photographs. (EV)

Discusses important considerations when designing early childhood facilities, including adequate space, design features that work for both small children and adults, floorcovering, color, and technology. (EV)

Discusses the skill set that should be available in security consultants to higher education, including the ability to work with mechanical, architectural, electrical, landscaping, and telecommunications systems. Addresses the need to bring consultants into the building design phase. (EV)

Describes how schools in Carroll County, Maryland; Toronto, Ontario; Durham, North Carolina; Englewood, Colorado; and Troy, New York, are renovating their vocational areas for inquiry-based, hands-on science learning. Includes sample floor plans and photographs. (EV)

Three articles address issues that relate to libraries and the environment. Highlights include recycling projects; buying recycled paper products and other ecology-minded purchasing ideas; energy-efficient libraries; indoor pollution problems; a list of environmental information sources; designing library buildings; and activities that libraries…

A roof system's warranty is an essential detail of which every purchaser should be aware. Addresses different types of warranties offered, what a manufacture warranty covers, and important features all warranties should include. Additionally, benefits of warranties, five common loopholes in warranties, and five guidelines for a purchaser to follow…

Instead of selling the idea of a new middle school building, an Ohio school district engaged people in an 18-month conversation about community financial and educational needs. The plan succeeded, due to unconventional leveraging strategies, full staff participation, elimination of diversions, involvement of community leaders, personalized…