Good architecture responds to contemporary challenges, irrespective of fashionable trends, and is characterised by rigorous building processes. Office buildings, housing, stadiums and theatres offer outstanding examples of this principle. But do school buildings figure among them? Happily, in Germany they do, although they are still too rare. This…

This article seeks to augment an emerging interest in education policy research in enactment theorising, to explicitly consider the role and contribution of materiality in this theorising. Guided by the notion of policy "matters," the article takes as its empirical context a major policy initiative, the Building the Education Revolution…

When one thinks of 21st century schools, one thinks of geometric modern architecture, sustainable building materials, and high-tech modular classrooms. It's rare, though, that a district has the space or the money to build that school from the ground up. Instead, the challenge for most is the transformation of the 20th century architecture to…

This article is part of a series that has offered insight on planning a facilities project, hiring professionals, delivery system options and owner's responsibilities. In this article, the author focuses on some of the planning and design concepts one may be asked to consider in providing direction to his design and construction team. These…

Could it be that in our excitement about e-learning we forgot about buildings? With the advent of the personal computer and ubiquitous networks were we enticed into thinking that they would suffice and learning would follow removing the need for places and communities for learners? We now seem to have woken up, however, as there is an enormous…

More colleges are turning to famous designers for new buildings, banking on the publicity and prestige a star architect will bring. This has led some critics to focus on cost overruns and poor planning, questioning the priorities behind the big expensive projects. Describes this controversial building design at several campuses nationwide. (SM)

Describes the prototype design for four prekindergarten schools in Spring Branch Independent School District in Texas, including educational context and design goals. Includes photographs. (EV)

Describes the design of the Agnar Pytte Center for Science Education and Research at Case Western Reserve University and the School of Law building at Gonzaga University. Discusses how their atriums serve as campus landmarks and create a welcoming sense of place. Includes photographs. (EV)

Offers suggestions for facilities managers to alleviate dissatisfaction with architects during school building or renovation projects. Areas discussed include budgets, communication, program development, scheduling, firm hiring, resource allocating, fees payment, and increasing the scope of the projects. (RE)

Using an outline format accompanied by numerous photographs and sketches, this brochure explores the relationship of "school" to people's conceptions, actions, and physical surroundings, highlighting changes over the past 20 years in Scandinavian school design. Two major conceptual changes are decentralized administration and teaching…

A SIMPLE BUILDING WITH A MINIMUM NUMBER OF INSIDE AND OUTSIDE CORNERS GIVES THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF QUALITY TEACHING SPACE FOR EACH BUILDING DOLLAR. THIS CONCLUSION IS BASED ON ONE ARCHITECTURAL FIRM'S COMPARISON OF TWO SIMILAR SCHOOLS, ONE OF WHICH HAD A MORE COMPLEX PLAN. A COMPARISON OF COSTS, AREAS, PERIMETERS, VOLUMES, NUMBER OF CORNERS, AND…

THIS DISCUSSION OF THE BASIC FUNCTION OF ACOUSTICAL MATERIALS--THE CONTROL OF SOUND BY SOUND ABSORPTION--IS BASED ON THE WAVE AND ENERGY PROPERTIES OF SOUND. IT IS STATED THAT, IN GENERAL, A MUCH LARGER VOLUME OF ACOUSTICAL MATERIALS IS NEEDED TO REMOVE DISTRACTING NOISE FROM CLASSROOMS AND OFFICES, FOR EXAMPLE, THAN FROM AUDITORIUMS, WHERE A…

Describes the building of Princeton University's $42 million Frist Student Center, which incorporates the original physics building, Palmer Hall, and a new addition. Provides information on the architect, construction manager, and product suppliers. Includes photographs. (EV)

Describes an extensive $12.5-million renovation of Public School 157 in New York City, which was designed in 1907. Discusses issues faced in the historical preservation. Includes photographs. (EV)

Building on air rights is not just a matter of putting one building on top of another to save money; two New York architects discuss their experiences and opinions. (Author)