Education at all levels is being transformed, impacting teaching methods, materials, and the physical learning environment. Over recent years, efforts have been made to align school architecture with contemporary educational practices to create stimulating and responsive teaching and learning environments. In this context, Evidence-Based Design…

Teachers educate. Architects design. Students learn. Each serves a specific, unique purpose. But what happens when the three collaborate to achieve a greater good? In the state of Washington, a school building that is, in itself, a learning tool for students, teachers and the community happened. A school building that inspires students and…

This study explored the interplay between quality facilities and school climate, charting the effects of facility conditions on student and teacher attitudes, behaviors, and performance within schools slated for renovations in a large metropolitan school district. The research applied a school leadership-building design model to explore how six…

In recent years, more education administrators and designers have embraced the potential benefits of daylighting. They have been persuaded that using natural light to illuminate facilities enables schools and universities to conserve energy and provide a learning environment in which students perform better. For daylighting advocates, the…

Purpose: Accompanying the recent concern for the quality of our nation's educational infrastructure, a growing body of research connects the quality of school facilities to both student outcomes including achievement, behavior, and attitude as well as to teacher attitude and behavior. Less is known about the mechanisms of these relationships. This…

Describes two new southern California schools, each housing grades five through eight and featuring a wall-less pavillion for sports activities and an outdoor amphitheater for large gatherings and performances. (Author)

Describes the design of Americo Paredes Middle School in Austin, Texas, including educational context and design goals. Includes photographs. (EV)

Describes a 1,500-student open plan middle school. (JF)

Describes a recently opened middle school building in Templeton, Wisconsin, introducing clustered classes, movable walls, and teaching teams. (LN)

Presents a unit on designing and building a bridge. (YDS)

The Purcell, Oklahoma, school board joined forces with the community and successfully sought a federal grant for a joint project. Facilities will be provided for a middle school, adult education, a public library, and for a number of service organizations. (Author/MLF)

Photographs and descriptions of four award-winning projects selected at the Association of School Business Officials' annual meeting: (1) Stafford Community Educational Complex (Texas), (2) Father Flanagan Alternative High School (Nebraska), (3) Davis Middle School (Wyoming), and (4) Lake Washington Vocational Technical Institute (Washington).…

The school, designed in a storefront on the main street of the town it would serve, blends educational philosophy with community involvement and difficult site problems. (Author/MLF)