After a study of 3,000 classrooms in 130 schools in 16 states, the Environmental Protection Agency urged all schools to conduct tests for radon. Explains a 6-step screening test, methods of reducing radon concentrations, and how the risk from radon exposure compares with other risks. (MLF)

Summarizes responses from 40 states and 5 provinces to a survey of their space recommendations for public elementary and secondary schools. (MLF)

The combined effect of the "Serrano" decision and Proposition 13 left California school districts with aging, overcrowded facilities. Chico schools won a $18.5 million general obligation bond election for facilities construction. With $11 billion needed for new school construction, California will need to tap local sources. A sidebar…

School construction overruns and other disappointments usually stem from inadequate planning, mismanagement, and inexperienced individuals. This article shows how to compute "ballpark" estimates based on a district's unique planning requirements for curriculum, scheduling, and class sizes; screen firms' and individuals' qualifications;…

Higher education leaders have always considered the physical plant as an asset but may have little understanding of its dimensions as a liability, particularly higher debt service requirements for facility improvement or replacement. Strategic planning will be increasingly important in addressing campus facilities needs. (MSE)

Campus vandalism has become extremely costly for colleges and universities. Most vandalism occurs on weekends and during special events and is committed by both students and outsiders. Its results affect the entire campus community, either immediately or in increased costs. Successful preventive measures include penalties, police patrols, and good…

Ohio State University developed a formula to calculate the annual and renovation budget necessary to maintain campus facilities. The calculations can indicate whether an institution is gaining or losing ground in facilities upkeep. Many institutions need to nearly double past efforts to retain physical plant quality and maintain facility…

A college or university thinking of leasing out facilities for an auxiliary activity on campus should consider including a percentage rent provision in the contract, to benefit from increased sales. Issues to consider include definitions and reporting of gross sales, audits of reported sales, and auditing procedures and reporting. (MSE)

Postoccupancy evaluation is a set of procedures and tools used to learn how well design ideas have worked in real buildings. Explores some of the important issues about postoccupancy evaluation using questions that are often asked about this new component in the building delivery system. (MLF)

Discusses successes and failures of subsidized housing in urban areas and the relationship between architectural environment and quality of life, particularly as regards high-rise buildings. Given that some high-rise projects are successful, most should be maintained because of the scarcity of low-income housing. (DM)

A survey sent out by the Council of Educational Facility Planners International asked for information about specific site problems that have been encountered and solutions for dealing with these problems. Nineteen submissions include contact names and phone numbers. (MLF)

Discusses the demands that educational facilities managers face due to their diverse customer base. Offers tips on how to keep students happy, how to appease clients during renovations, how to facilitate effective nonadversarial interaction with faculty and staff, how to act in the public eye, and how to project a positive image. (RJM)

Recounts what school district facilities managers learned from the flood and fire disaster in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Examines the clean-up effort, such as locating sufficient architectural and construction crews to meet repair demands, and unforeseen problems, such as toxic biological growth. Also describes the damage and repair expenses. (RJM)

Discusses how the revolution in education demands the rethinking of school facilities. Emphasizes the importance of listening to the clients (students and teachers) when designing a new school, and outlines the potential that schools have to become intergenerational community centers. Focuses on the environment in facilitating learning. (RJM)

Discusses the benefits of teaching architecture to gifted students and describes a unit implemented in elementary gifted classrooms. Student activities included researching architects' styles, creating model-building exteriors out of mixed media, creating floor plans, designing interiors, and brainstorming with resource people from fields related…