Doors serve a variety of needs and purposes in schools: (1) Exterior doors provide building security and protection from the elements; and (2) Interior doors control the movement of people among school spaces, help control noise and air flow, and act as flame and smoke barriers during a fire. In a lockdown, they serve as safety barriers. From a…

Design and construction problems in child care buildings are discussed. Common facility oversights range from too-small crib rooms and plumbing limitations to inadequate storage space and outdoor shade areas. Offers suggestions for overseeing the construction of a facility. (LB)

In the introduction or expansion of art facilities in individual schools, there is a general movement away from the single, multipurpose art room concept. More consideration is being given to the variety of functions that the area must accommodate, adequate working space, separate storage areas, and more display facilities. This booklet contains…

This updated annotated bibliography of 93 items is intended for people who design spaces and facilities to be accessible for people with disabilities and for those who assure that such facilities are in compliance with regulations. It cites books, chapters in books, articles, and pamphlets, most of which were published from 1988 to 1993. It also…

This speech discusses the evaluation and selection of competitive products for schools, and recommends that user specifications be written to include user requirements. The author maintains that product evaluation would be easier if specifications writers would use more performance tests to interpret the user requirements and anticipated…

Discussion of underground buildings constructed primarily during last two decades for various reasons (energy conservation, density of environment, preservation of landscape and historic buildings) notes advantages, disadvantages, and psychological and design considerations. Examples of underground libraries, built mainly in United States, are…

The George W. Woodruff Physical Education Center was designed to exude openness and space which would encourage participation while preserving existing playing fields and programs. Exterior and interior design of the facility are described. (DF)

Discusses the reasons why conventional classroom facilities won't work for continuing education. Illustrates how one continuing education center was designed and built and suggests how flexibility can be built into a facility without the use of movable partitions. (DN)

Provides a capsule history of the school building systems concept, and describes some of the projects currently employing the concept. (JF)

A State official, who was involved in the California School Construction Systems Development (SCSD) project since its inception, describes the drawbacks of and the problems encountered in that project. (JF)

Outlines how an information company--the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI)--designed a new building to house its facility. Problems and deficiencies in the old work space were analyzed using a rigorous systems approach, and an open-plan system was devised to allow for optimum space utilization and energy efficiency. (CWM)

The number of school fires is up nationwide. This article describes unsafe school conditions, problems with new fire codes, and the factors that contribute to school fires. Installation of sprinkler systems is recommended. A fire-safety checklist is included. (LMI)

At the request of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities (NCEF) has conducted "a literature search and review to identify best practices in [school] building design for accommodating the evacuation and sheltering needs of individuals with special needs or…

This document contains amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) that establish guidelines for state and local government facilities and building elements designed for children's use. The amendments change several sections of ADAAG and add new sections that cover access to judicial, legislative, and…