Historically, classrooms have utilized stationary furniture, facing front toward a centralized instructor position, and limiting student-to-student interactions. Such classrooms often stem from design processes that tend to focus on building codes and feedback from investors, architects, and planners, which leaves little input from instructors and…

With the significant amount of time invested in researching the best techniques for delivering instruction to their students, Humble ISD is always on the forefront of education. Taking the recommendations of their active and vocal community groups, the district embarked in the design of the 26th elementary school, Atascocita Springs Elementary…

In an effort to completely transform both teaching spaces and pedagogical orientation, a multi-stage project that tied professional development efforts for faculty and administrators to a redesign of existing classroom facilities was initiated. The goal was to simultaneously transform learning and spaces for learning in order to change the…

Describes attributes of educational facilities that (1) influence occupants' performance (physical factors, task-related factors, user-friendliness, organizational qualities); (2) convey subtle messages (design statements, accessibility, spatial factors, aesthetics); and (3) influence programs and their delivery (technology, learning-style…

The compact school, generally defined as a brick structure with a flexible interior and natural light admission of skylights, domes, clearstories and interior courtyards, emerged from the new educational programs. Evaluation of the compact school design includes--(1) appraisals and reactions to the physical environment, (2) explanations of the…

The planning problems of setting up comprehensive schools which incorporate existing school buildings are examined. Five case studies which have been selected to illustrate how these problems can be resolved are described. The main emphasis is on problems of enlarging existing buildings and adapting them to comprehensive use. The organization of…

This document presents the process of radon diagnostics and mitigation in schools to help educators determine the best way to reduce elevated radon levels found in a school. The guidebook is designed to guide school leaders through the process of measuring radon levels, selecting the best mitigation strategy, and directing the efforts of a…

A presentation of the Hope School's physical plant and program specifications is introduced with a listing of the specifications committee, a history of the school, the needs of the children served, and a philosophy of teaching mentally handicapped children. Areas discussed are school-wide specifications, the administrative complex, the diagnostic…

The middle school concept is explained for educators and architects. Discussion of the general considerations is centered around the choice of transfer age of 12 or 13. The building regulations which were formerly established for a transfer age of 11 are now being updated to 12 and 13. Floor plans of new schools and extensions to existing schools…

Think of New England higher education and one probably thinks of ivy-covered brick or perhaps 1950s concrete, but the environment of New England's college campuses is far more diverse, more complex, more daring, and more educational than the stereotype. It is changing fast, thanks to profound forces such as consumerization among students,…

This guide addresses the planning and architectural design of play/learning environments for special needs children. The exceptional children discussed include those with most types of mild to severe handicaps and developmental disabilities. Specifically excluded from consideration are health impairments, severe psycho-emotional difficulties such…

THIS REPORT DISCUSSES CONSIDERATIONS IN THE USE OF FALLOUT SHELTER SPACE FOR NORMAL SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FALLOUT SHELTERS AND PROBLEMS RELATED TO WINDOWLESS ROOMS. THE PRESENT LACK OF INFORMATION ABOUT PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS RELATED TO WINDOWLESS ROOMS IS MENTIONED. THE BEST USES FOR WINDOWLESS SPACE ARE NOTED--(1)…

A user-based research and programing process was undertaken to identify environments supportive of mainstreaming handicapped students. This report first describes the range of strategies that have been developed to implement mainstreaming programs in public schools, then develops a guide for designers to help them understand the educational and…

Architect Donald Barthelme expresses a personal concept of an architectural-educational philosophy and presents his design concept for a new kind of campus. He classifies two types of architecture--(1) architecture which places the opportunity to build ahead of any obligation to people, and (2) architecture which places a primary interest and…

American's aging schools need replacing. New schools should enhance teaching and learning and accommodate the needs of all learners; serve as community centers; involve all stakeholders in the planning process; provide for health, safety, and security; make effective use of all available resources; and be adaptable to changing needs. Examples of…