Describes the design of two magnet schools in Connecticut: the Metropolitan Learning Center in Bloomfield, and the Performing Arts Magnet School in Waterbury. The former emphasizes global and international studies, while the latter incorporates a renovated vaudevillian theater. (EV)

Describes the design of the academic arts building at Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, including its black box theater, art classroom, computer graphics lab, gallery, video production area, and chorus classroom. (EV)

Highlights the history of the modular classroom industry and emergence of the Modular Building Institute. Analyzes the differences between temporary portable classrooms and permanent modular additions. Also examines the possible influence of modular classrooms on future facility design and the ways that educational facilities officials are saving…

Four experts in school design discuss what constitutes best practice in educational facilities planning and design. Their discussions include examples of schools that illustrate these best practices. (EV)

Explains that classrooms and school furniture were built for a different era and often do not have sufficient power for technology, discussing what is needed to support modern technology in education. One solution involves modular cabling and furniture that is capable of being rearranged. Currently, there are no comprehensive standards from which…

Discusses important considerations when designing early childhood facilities, including adequate space, design features that work for both small children and adults, floorcovering, color, and technology. (EV)

Explains how modular buildings are uniquely qualified to solve space crunch problems, budgetary concerns, and time pressures when expanding and improving educational facilities. (GR)

This supplement presents three articles on modular construction that look at: "Fast Track Expansion for a New Jersey School" (involving a modular addition); "Precast Construction Helps Schools Meet Attendance Boom" (precast concrete components are quick, durable, and flexible); and "Airing HVAC Concerns" (poor indoor air quality in prefabricated…

Offers tips on energy efficiency and building design that can help schools reduce operating costs, improve academic performance, address health and safety issues, and protect the environment. (EV)

Describes how the Durant Road Middle School in Raleigh, North Carolina sets a new standard in environmental school design. "Daylighting," bringing daylight into the building for psychological, health, and energy-saving benefits, plays a central role in the design. (EV)

Based on one school district's experience, discusses raised access flooring systems for schools. Addresses the nuts and bolts of such flooring systems, integrating an air delivery system below the flooring, advantages of floor-level air supply, and design issues. (EV)

Describes the design of the DeKalb Alternative School in Atlanta, Georgia, located in a renovated shopping center. Purchasing commercial land and renovating the existing building saved the school system time and money. (EV)

Discusses studies showing that color and light have a significant influence on how students learn and retain information (for example, daylight is much more beneficial than fluorescent light). Describes how many architects and designers are now incorporating these findings into their work in schools. (EV)

Discusses the benefits to student learning of smaller schools and offers profiles of schools designed to offer smaller-scale learning environments: Mariner High School in Mukitea, Washington, Prairie Elementary School in Worthington, Minnesota, and High Tech High in San Diego, California. (EV)

Describes the design of numerous school buildings (pre-K to college), including their educational context and design goals. Includes information on the size, cost, and development team, and provides the floor plan and photographs. Concludes with an architects and manufacturers index. (EV)