The design of a classroom space can make a big difference in student behavior and learning. The use of color, sound, light, furniture arrangements and more can help foster community and culture and promote understanding. Dillon discusses some easy ways to transform the classroom space that can help with classroom management.

The ability to verbalize--and therefore think and learn abstractly--has conditioned people to see the world in logical patterns. People are trained to do so by the wiring of the neurologically typical (neurotypical) brain and the increasing complexity of the environment that shapes it. Public schools are also designed for students with…

When well-designed and integrated into a campus living or learning space, an atrium can function as the heart and spirit of a building, connecting interior rooms and public spaces with the outside environment. However, schools and universities should seek technological and HVAC solutions that maximize energy efficiency. This article discusses how…

The New York City Department of Education has recently set forth new mandates for the redesign of classrooms. Teachers must be taught how to redesign their classrooms correctly so that all students will be provided with the necessary space to accommodate their environmental learning-style preferences. By altering the classroom, teachers give some…

The basic dilemma in creating performance spaces in secondary schools is that such spaces often must serve multiple functions. Ideally, there should be three different spaces: one to present dramas; another for musical performances; and a third for assemblies--lectures, movies, political and community events. Often, the unsatisfactory solution to…

Explains how a commons area can serve both the school and community by becoming a cost-effective, space-saving asset to the school building. Examines the commons area as a place for interaction; discusses subdividing it into smaller functional units, locating it, and related lighting and heating issues. (GR)

Today, there is clear and growing evidence of the need to fundamentally rethink the planning, design and use of school facilities in a way that reflects changing educational demands and needs; takes greater advantage of new technologies and new insights into the nature of teaching and learning; and, perhaps most important, forges stronger bonds…

This paper addresses classroom design trends and the key issues schools should consider for better classroom space flexibility and adaptability. Classroom space design issues when schools embrace technology are discussed, as are design considerations when rooms must accommodate different grade levels, the importance of lighting, furniture…

Describes how the Hammond School District (Indiana) solved the problem of fitting the correct amount of space needed for students, teachers, and technology. Examines the district's solutions for furniture needs through the use of full-scale mockups of classroom arrangements; and the wiring, power needs, and lighting. (GR)

The failure of the "open classroom" concept of the 1960's has not diminished the need for researchers to continue to look at learning and teaching to better understand how educational spaces can be improved for everyone that uses them. This document summarizes presentations made at the 1997 American Institute of Architects (AIA)…

The formulation of a design for a library reference desk is discussed, basic planning considerations, height, and measurements of the desk, lighting and chairs, placement of the desk, prebuilt components, and evaluation. A six-item bibliography is included. (EJS)

Scores of millions of dollars are spent annually in the United States for new school buildings. With this large. expenditure has come a general desire that schoolhouses shall be usable, healthful, comfortable, and beautiful. Educators and architects have united in devising plans for school buildings. This bureau has published a valuable bulletin…

Presents tips and suggestions for installing computer hardware and related equipment in school libraries. Highlights include cabling and wiring set-up; temperature control and lighting; hardware placement that allows for safety and supervision; spatial and furniture considerations for hardware stations; equipment storage; and security. (AEF)

School systems, as never before, are attempting to provide for physically handicapped children. Much has been accomplished, but an even larger task is still before us. Thousands of such children are not yet able to take advantage of their birthright--the opportunity for education. There are numerous reasons for this, one of which is lack of…

The present bulletin deals with the evolution of the school auditorium, and presents recommendations for the planning of the auditorium, with particular reference to the stage, so that the auditorium can be used as a theater, concert hall, for forums, for motion pictures, and for radio programs. The auditorium is one of the most important units in…