Examines the six major categories of facility characteristics that affect learning and addresses how they pertain to special education programs and services. (MLF)

Describes the processes by which two camps constructed new dining halls. Discusses initial information gathering and cost projections, management of planning and finances, building design, contracting, clearing and excavation, foundation work, installation of electrical and other service systems, and landscaping. (SV)

Experience with the frequent change in spaces used for design studios at the University of Pennsylvania's undergraduate Design of the Environment program illustrates how the need for efficient space utilization can lead to a creative process of uncovering unforeseen possibilities in teaching, learning, and living together. (MSE)

A computer-assisted design (CAD) software program is used in a Connecticut school district to graphically provide information on maintenance projects by school and category of project over time. CAD supplies a computerized building plan, a "foot-print," used as a recordkeeping system for maintenance projects. (MLF)

Discusses the threat posed by the Legionnaire's Disease bacterium and the germ's ability to thrive in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, especially in standing water. Describes ways to minimize disease risk through HVAC system design (such as locating cooling towers away from air intakes) and ways to maintain a clean…

Explains the use of a maintenance-management assessment process that educational facility managers can use to improve facility conditions and to provide evidence for future capital investments in maintenance management. Discusses questions a maintenance-management audit can answer and describes how to analyze the data to gain maximum understanding…

Describes one Canadian school district's use of an integrated Facilities Management Information System (FMIS) to help address the effective and efficient planning, building, operating, and maintaining of their schools and other Board facilities. Development of the FMIS and its demands for organizational restructuring and change in the workplace…

Describes the architectural process and discusses ways of establishing good communication between architects and librarians so they can work together effectively. Highlights include the schematic design phase, the design development phase; the construction document stage, and the architect working with the contractors. (LRW)

Discusses how one college resolved the problems of building a high-tech, modern-design college science center on a visible location within a traditional-looking campus. Design features that helped the facility blend into its traditional surroundings are highlighted. (GR)

Describes the construction of a new library facility at Delta College. States that Delta College Library incorporated planning for a new facility with input from all college disciplines. Site visits were made to other new college library facilities, which aided in the design of Delta College's own library construction project. (VWC)

Today, many art and music teachers struggle to teach and inspire their students in inappropriate or outdated facilities. Many must settle for "art on a cart." New or modernized facilities can make a vital difference in building enthusiasm and appreciation for the arts in young children. Spacious, flexible music and art rooms of schools in Florida…

Details the dramatic changes in school lighting. Describes how lighting will be more closely integrated into the "smart" school building of tomorrow and how lighting systems will evolve with schools as technology changes. Claims that direct/indirect lighting systems will serve computer users as well as reduce energy and maintenance costs. (RJM)

Describes the challenge that Illinois faces in trying to bring its older schools up to date. Discusses the debate over replacement versus renovation, enrollment and projected rises in this rate, the need to accommodate advanced technology programs, and the billions of dollars it will take to render these structures suitable for instruction. (RJM)

Discusses the idea of team cleaning educational facilities as a new concept in maintaining floors and carpets, as well as maintaining the entire building. This team effort can streamline and improve custodial operations. Each worker becomes a specialist with two or three functions instead of multiple cleaning tasks. (RE)

Argues that architectural models allow students to express their ideas on a range of topics from dream homes and interior decorating to historical periods and places. Provides a general outline of the process of creating architectural models, from decorating shoeboxes to creating sophisticated models. (DSK)