Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to argue that taking the educational purposes of schools into account is central to understanding the place and importance of facilities to learning outcomes. The paper begins by observing that the research literature connecting facility conditions to student outcomes is mixed. A closer examination of this…

This paper reports on a literature review conducted in the UK for the Design Council and CfBT (Higgins et al., 2005) which looked at the evidence of the impact of environments on learning in schools. We have reviewed the available evidence regarding different facets of the physical environment and provided an analysis based on different areas of…

In many communities, schools are among the largest facilities and house the highest concentrations of daytime population. They create a huge demand for water. Even in regions with abundant water supplies, an increase in demand stresses local capacity, and water becomes more expensive. However, with the help of innovative products that reduce water…

Schools and universities recognize that many of the people and neighborhoods they serve expect education institutions to embrace environmental stewardship and sustainable design. Standards such as the LEED-registered facility program, managed by the U.S. Green Building Council, are receiving more attention. Schools can demonstrate their commitment…

Schools and universities throughout the United States now appear to be embracing green roofs as one of many environmentally friendly initiatives. However, once a green roof is in place, school managers soon realize they are not the same as typical landscaping. Although they tend to be relatively low-maintenance, the location and highly specialized…

This document describes the Big Shoulders, Small Schools Chicago Public Schools Design Competition; provides a description of the school communities and sites involved; presents the presentation requirements, procedures, and regulations; and examines the universal design and small schools concepts. The national design competition will produce two…

A new school in Atlanta has been designed as a teaching aid in itself. Experts answer questions asked at the building site by the children who will use the facility. (Author)

California's Mission College was designed as a core that will expand as enrollment grows. It is carpeted with tiles that can be moved later. (Author)

Describes the creative process in designing an elementary school courtyard to be a single, engaging expression of connected spaces organized around a single large object: a rebar dome. Photos and concept drawings are included. (GR)

Describes three projects showing that originality prevails in residence hall design. One creates a European feel in an urban neighborhood, one is an apartment renovations, and one supports group learning. Photos are included. (GR)

Discusses the $5.7 million dollar restoration and adaptive use of Arizona State University's Old Main building, which was constructed in 1895. The project required demolishing an addition to the building that was added in the 1950s and restoring the 1895 exterior and north facade with its two balconies and monumental stair, which now serve as a…

Discusses the university design-intensive facility: an architectural expression of and for the school that speaks to its values and authenticity. Examples are highlighted illustrating how design expression is being realized on several campuses. (GR)

Shows how architectural design can merge ecological living and learning as illustrated by the Wolf Ridge's new Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minnesota. Photos and design details are provided. (GR)

Discusses the symbolic statement made by schools' entrances and lobbies and explores design issues of these areas. (EV)