Reforms in America's colleges and universities seem to be driven not by quest for quality, but rather, by the need to deal with financial woes. In addition, trends such as the changing shape of the global economy and the unprecedented push for educational accountability are pushing higher education to consider education reforms. In this article,…

The author notes that teachers who continually require students to sit still and stop talking apparently prefer to teach a grove of trees rather than a classroom full of students. School environments should be designed to enhance the development of student brains -- and student brains are about movement, not motionless stagnation. 21st century…

America is changing and, as it does, so will its educational system. This article examines demographic changes the country is experiencing, the conflicts these changes are generating, and how education--and particularly school facilities--may be different in the future as a result. Conflicts addressed include (a) baby boomers versus an emerging…

In 2005, the OECD Programme on Educational Building (PEB) organised two international experts' group meetings to discuss how countries define and evaluate quality in educational facilities. The research and experiences of six experts are presented in this article, in addition to the lessons learned from the experts' group meetings. The director of…

Among U.S. children ages six to 14, about one in eight has a disability. To give the five million students with disabilities the same access to facilities as others, schools are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Schools not in compliance invite lawsuits and risk losing federal funding or accreditation. Many older…

A survey of several hundred German students led to two theses on school environment and learning. First, students find school buildings attractive only if they conform to certain features of the human sensory system such as balance. Second, students consider school buildings attractive and inviting only if their architectural message meets such…

This document presents a complete list of school construction projects, as of 1972, so that designers, educators, and interested citizens can visit or otherwise be aware of particular efforts in their district and elsewhere in North Carolina. Elementary, Middle, and High School buildings are included. Each offering provides the floor plan,…

North Carolina local public school boards have the statutory responsibility for operating public schools and for entering into contracts for design and construction of their schools. This document presents examples of plans for school buildings planned or constructed during the last few years, as of 1981, representing a wide range of educational…

North Carolina local public school boards have the statutory responsibility for operating public schools and for entering into contracts for design and construction of their schools. This document presents examples of plans for school buildings planned or constructed during the last few years, as of 1986, representing a wide range of educational…

North Carolina local public school boards have the statutory responsibility for operating public schools and for entering into contracts for design and construction of their schools. This document presents examples of plans for school buildings planned or constructed during the last few years , as of 1993, representing a wide range of educational…

Building systems and fast track scheduling were humanized to create a learning environment that stimulates children at the Mission Viejo elementary school. (Author/MLF)

Heat recovery from lights is an economical process that provides maximum comfort in the Capitol Area Vocational Center, Springfield, Illinois. (Author/MLF)

A Washington, D. C. architect outlines the five phases of school construction, (Architectural-functional program and budget review, schematic planning, design development, construction documents, bidding and construction), explaining in detail what is involved in each phase and stating the role of the architect, school administration, planning…

This paper details the considerations involved in determining suitable video projection systems for displaying the Apple Macintosh's screen to large groups of people, both in classrooms with approximately 25 people, and in lecture halls with approximately 250. To project the Mac screen to groups in lecture halls, the Electrohome EDP-57 video…

Drawings, accompanied by text and recommended measurements, illustrate school building requirements necessary for handicapped persons to enter, leave, and circulate in buildings without assistance. The information is intended to be used in the design of new buildings and the remodeling of existing facilities. General design information covers the…