In the past eight years, the design standards of classrooms have improved significantly. This movement was instigated by the introduction of the classroom acoustics standard in 2002 from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), in collaboration with the Acoustical Society of America. The standard, formally known as ANSI S12.60, has become…

For much of the 20th century, it was the engine that powered one of nation's most massive retail operations. By the beginning of the 21st century, the historic building was no longer needed to supply energy to what remained of the once bustling Sears, Roebuck and Co. campus on the West Side of Chicago. The original purpose of the Power House, as…

Describes how adding a project manager can ensure a smooth process during capital improvements. Discusses ways to fill program management needs, such as developing in-house staff or retaining a qualified program-management consultant. Details the importance of the project manager scrutinizing overhead costs, risk, responsibility, and other…

Describes innovative strategies that schools and universities are using to save money and reshape operations. Focuses on ideas in energy efficiency and facilities improvement, direct purchasing, energy management, retrofitting buildings, ceiling insulation upgrades, automation systems, electric demand programs, facilities programs, warranty…

Describes how integrated electronic control systems can provide multibuilding districts with cost savings and improved efficiency. Explores how such systems can quickly locate problem areas and save money. Describes how cooling, heating, lighting, and other components can be preprogrammed and offers some suggestions for selecting a system. (RJM)

Offers different school administrators' opinions on issues affecting education. Focuses on the Americans with Disabilities Act, school administration, business offices, contract services, energy concerns, school facilities, furniture and furnishings, hazardous materials, indoor air quality, lighting, maintenance, physical education, purchasing,…

In response to legislation, colleges and universities in several states must prepare to install sprinkler systems. Four basic issues an engineering study should examine include: whether the existing water service has the size, capacity, and pressure to support a sprinkler system; whether the protected facility will have to comply with more…

Describes how schools are investigating single-ply roofing systems for new and retrofit construction. Discusses some of the considerations in seaming together a single-ply roof, steps in choosing roofing material and a roofing contractor, warranty advice, and the importance of keeping records on roof maintenance. (RJM)

Discusses the importance of providing K-12 and college students with a high quality, comfortable educational environment that is conducive to learning, focusing on the range of spaces comprising a typical campus: general studies classrooms, larger spaces, special spaces (e.g., laboratories and museums), gymnasiums, natatoriums, and ice arenas. (SM)

Discusses the idea of team cleaning educational facilities as a new concept in maintaining floors and carpets, as well as maintaining the entire building. This team effort can streamline and improve custodial operations. Each worker becomes a specialist with two or three functions instead of multiple cleaning tasks. (RE)

Discusses proposed legislation designed to improve the United States' education infrastructure. Outlines President Clinton's $5 billion school-construction initiative and describes areas in which the money can be used. Features interviews with Education Secretary, Richard Riley, and Senator Carol Moseley-Braun (D-Ill.), in which they discuss the…

Explains that preconstruction planning is essential when undertaking the challenges of a school building renovation or expansion, focusing on developing a detailed estimate, creating an effective construction strategy, conducting reviews and value-engineering workshops, and realizing savings through effective risk analysis and contingency…

Discusses the warning signs of a potentially "sick" school building and the use of a proactive plan to deal with or prevent new health and safety challenges. Definitions of health symptoms from a sick building are discussed, and an example of one elementary school's response to air quality concerns is provided. (GR)

Although wired glass is extremely common in school buildings, the International Building Code adopted new standards that eliminate the use of traditional wired glass in K-12 schools, daycare centers, and athletic facilities. Wired glass breaks easily, and the wires can cause significant injuries by forming dangerous snags when the glass breaks.…

Describes how to design school and university labs to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, focusing on counter height for students in wheelchairs; appropriate knee space and sink height in sink areas; ADA-compliant fume hoods; accessible laboratory doors and entryways; and safety concerns (e.g., emergency eyewash stations…