The SPATIAL model (satisfaction, perception, achievement, transcendent/immanent attributes, authority, layout) posits that (1) individual perception of space affects satisfaction, participation, and achievement; (2) certain aspects of a space are subjective or beyond physical attributes; and (3) authority and layout are external and can be…

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 preconstruction planning process that can help reduce costs and minimize construction risks when building educational facilities. Factors for successful implementation of the planning process are examined. (GR)

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)

The planning and design of educational facilities is impacted by developments in information technology and telecommunications. Potentials for improving education, the realities facing educational facilities planners, and achieving these potentials are examined. Planning principles followed by the influences educational facilities may have on…

Describes four student union building designs that make students feel more comfortable in their surroundings. Examples show how design can inspire campus life and school spirit, enhance food service and increase the number of cash business customers, and provide a community feeling through the addition of multiservices. (GR)

Explains how colleges and universities, faced with emerging trends and increased competition, can utilize their facilities as strategic resources. Examines technology changes in the classroom and the effects on user needs, the trend toward real-world learning environments, and facility design planning that responds to social interaction and…

Examines universal school design that is both user-friendly for all students and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This approach provides the basic functional design issues for easy traffic control, as well as orientation and classrooms that are adaptable to future curricular changes. Discusses new standards that impact design…

Profiles 81 facilities constructed or renovated within the past three years that will be competitively judged in Athletic Business's 12th Facility of Merit award. Facilities are presented in the following eight categories: colleges over $15 million; colleges under $15 million; school facilities; private facilities; non-profit facilities;…

Examines the award-winning Commonwealth Hall, a new education and development center at the University of Virginia's College at Wise, that helped the campus acknowledge the beauty of its rural location and the region's industrial history. Discusses the building design's connectivity with other facilities, its blending in with the surrounding…

Discusses the financial strengths universities possess that can help them provide privatized on-campus housing that benefits the school and students while allowing a profit to the developer. Georgia's success in establishing a financial structure to develop apartment-style student housing that would allow no recourse against the state or affect…

The Center for Media Resources (CMR) at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) was established in the 1970s as a prototype Big University Media Center (BUMC). In 1992, the CMR was refocused to emphasize instructional improvement and new technologies, but due to budget cutbacks was closed in 1998. A discussion paper is appended which describes…

Describes Montessori's vision of developmentally appropriate physical environment, considers some effective design principles and characteristics of environments for young children, and identifies criteria for assessing the indoor and outdoor physical environments. (Author/KB)

Describes the three-stage growth of the Princeton (New Jersey) Montessori School. Examines how the philosophy of prepared environments evolved over 12 years upon reflection of concepts such as user-friendliness, ambiance, developmental appropriateness, effective communication, a welcoming space, faculty needs, storage, eating areas, resting areas,…

Discusses ways of determining furniture requirements, specifications, and preferences early enough in new school planning to enhance school design. Planning for changes in the educational environment, establishing needs and expectations, budgeting, and breaking bids into multiple packages for specific school areas are explored. (GR)