The most efficient approach to giving large numbers of students' access to computational resources is through a data center. A contemporary method for building the data center's computer infrastructure is the software-defined model, which enables user tasks to be processed in a reasonable amount of time and at a reasonable cost. The researcher…

The benefits of sustainability go way beyond improving the environment. School districts that choose to build facilities using sustainable principles reap the benefits of environmentally friendly, healthy establishments; attractive work spaces (which improve recruiting and retention); and significant operational cost savings. Districts realize…

The Labour Government launched the "Building Schools for the Future" programme (BSF) in February 2003 with the aim of refurbishing or rebuilding all secondary schools in England over a 15-year period, with an anticipated budget of 45 billion British Pounds. In this article, we locate BSF in a wider public policy context which has already…

Some in the green building industry have spoken for some time now of green buildings not needing to cost more. Jason McLennan in his 2004 book "The Philosophy of Sustainable Design" discusses not falling into the "green is always more" syndrome. He goes on to explain the concept of tunneling through the cost barrier. A 2007…

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…

The field of education has highly varied educational practices and facilities needs. Still, much of education continues to be delivered in the recognizable tradition of teachers working alone in isolated classrooms and buildings planned based on rows and rows of those classrooms. But there is no longer one single, universal view of how education…

Developed primarily from field based research on 19 schools, the book is designed to help facility planners, educational administrators, educators, architects, and citizens make informed choices in planning new or renovated facilities for special education services. The design guidelines are performance based so that intended outcome is given as…

Interdisciplinary high schools are characterized by the decentralization of specialized areas and organization of space into modules that reinforce student communication as well as flexibility. Starting with an interdisciplinary cluster approach and then overlaying the departments aids the process. (MLF)

This "IssueTrak" discusses how facility planners and managers need an assortment of instruments in their toolbox so that they are able to select the best and most appropriate device for each project. A relatively new tool that should be at the disposal of all educational facility managers and planners is the construction delivery system of Job…

This paper presents a case study of the process of capital investment strategic planning at the Gold Coast Institute of Technical and Further Education (TAFE), Queensland, Australia. Capital investment strategic planning is a means of contributing to success by providing strategies to ensure that assets are managed efficiently, effectively, and…

"Clicks, Bricks and Spondulicks" is the title of a seminar organised by PEB to examine the relationship between the built learning environment and information and communications technology (ICT), as well as cost implications. The meeting sought to determine whether educational buildings and ICT should continue to be seen as separate…

This document presents an overview of the history and characteristics of Northland Pioneer College (NPC), established in 1974 to serve Navajo County, a rural, sparsely populated area in northeastern Arizona (70 percent Indian Reservation land). The information presented in this document is intended to be of assistance in future planning for NPC.…

By 1973 there were very great disparities between the opportunities for education in the urban and rural areas of Afghanistan. This case study concerns provincial school construction programs for hundreds of small buildings in the remotest areas of what is one of the most mountainous countries of the world. A study proposed alternative building…

As social problems continue to threaten the fabric of American society, the community has emerged as the single entity capable of meeting these challenges. It is increasingly important, then, that community colleges position themselves for the role of rebuilding communities. The loss of traditional support systems, changes in family structure,…