Discusses the role that architecture has played in distinguishing, harboring, and facilitating public education in America over the last 200 years. It reveals how population growth, educational policy, and community preferences have caused the one-room schoolhouse to evolve to meet changing needs. (GR)

Architects who work frequently with school districts identify five trends that are influencing how schools operate and, in turn, what they look like: (1) shrinking resources; (2) joint partnerships; (3) developments in curriculum; (4) advancements in technology; and (5) extended use. (MLF)

Summarizes four recent concerns of the Austrian Institute for School and Sport Facilities, which is responsible for current issues and problems related to educational buildings in the country: schools as low energy buildings, electromagnetic fields and school buildings, chairs and tables for educational buildings, and school grounds (learnscapes).…

Describes the seven library buildings named as winners by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Library Association (ALA) that include four new facilities, one conversion of a warehouse building to library use, and two renovations. Public, school, and university libraries are included. (LRW)

A Minneapolis, Minnesota, elementary school under construction has been uniquely designed to incorporate improved air quality as a key component in boosting student health and performance. Lists common-sense adjustments existing schools can make to improve the quality of their interior air. (MLF)

Green roofs, with their topsoil and plants, improve insulation, filter air, reduce water runoff, and provide habitat for urban wildlife. They are compatible with schools because they save energy; schools' flat roofs are conducive to greening; and green roofs can be outdoor classrooms for botany, ecology, and energy efficiency. Although scarce in…

This case study examines the proposed design of a new lecture/recital hall in Centennial Hall at Lynchburg College that will be used for lectures, public events, a film studies course, and musical recitals. It explores the audio-visual challenges presented by the differing acoustical requirements for the building. (EV)

Describes the design of the building named in the title, including the educational context and design goals. Includes a general description; information on the architect, construction team, and manufacturers and suppliers; and a case study of costs and specifications. Also includes a floor plan and photographs. (EV)

Presents a college building judged to be an outstanding student center/service area in a competition, which evaluated outstanding learning environments at educational institutions nationwide. Jurors spent two days reviewing projects, highlighting unique concepts and ideas. Provides data on the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center,…

Presents high school and college vocational/industrial arts buildings considered outstanding in a competition, which judged the most outstanding learning environments at educational institutions nationwide. Jurors spent two days reviewing projects, highlighting unique concepts and ideas. For each citation, the article offers information on the…

In designing schools, planners must use the criteria of health and safety, performance, comfort, and aesthetics to create a humanized physical environment that stimulates interest and provides motivation for learning and teaching. The human factors in design are sense of place, ownership, community, presence comfort, security, aesthetics,…

Describes this Texas elementary school building, including the educational context and design goals. Includes information on the architects, manufacturers/suppliers, and construction team; extended product information; a general building description; and a case study of construction costs and specifications. Also includes the floor plan and…

Describes the design of the Canadian Wine Library at the University of British Columbia, including the educational context and design goals. Includes information on the architects, manufacturers/suppliers, and construction team; a general building description; and commentary on the design. Also includes the floor plan and photographs. (EV)

Discusses developing bid specifications for facilities projects. Highlights include: the four basic sections of bid specifications (general conditions, specific conditions, table of values, and information about the bidder's company); setting standards for products; determining whether the bidder is qualified to do the work; a sample timeline; and…

Describes the design of Torgersen Hall, the new home for the Advanced Communications and Information Technology Center at Virginia Tech, including the educational context and design goals. Includes information on architects, consultants, and cost, as well as floor plans and photographs. (EV)