Like many other jurisdictions, the western Canadian province of Alberta is seeking cost-effective and creative ways of providing school infrastructure that meets the needs of 21st century learning. Solutions are being found through the use of alternative financing and procurement arrangements and through innovative approaches to creating flexible…

This paper addresses construction that takes place in or near the school building while school is in session--the most difficult kind of construction to manage. Success largely depends upon the preparation, competence, and goodwill of the school district's facility staff, the project architect/engineer, the contractor, and local school…

Public education is one of the central tasks of a democratic society, and the buildings that house this important task not only shape the way one teaches, but provide icons and symbols for the values people hold common as a society. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this context has placed school buildings squarely in a position of debate and innovation…

Discusses how the Burnsville (Minnesota) expanded its high school classroom space by buying a shopping mall and converting it into classrooms. Renovation costs and classroom layout are briefly discussed; a floor plan is included. (GR)

Offers suggestions on choosing modular space for schools. Advice is provided based on school needs: (1) How soon is the space needed? Is there a crisis situation or time to plan? (2) How much flexibility is needed for relocation? and (3) What are the financing issues? Is it better to buy or lease? (EV)

Discusses the tradeoff of speed and movability versus costs when using relocatable buildings to solve educational space needs. Concluding comments address building-code compliance issues driving up expenses and impacting facility planning.(GR)

Explores using modular buildings to solve space problems in an atmosphere of decreasing budgets and how these buildings are capable of addressing multiple needs. Also discussed are what administrators should consider when adding modulars, including using suppliers as consultants, planning site visits, and using turnkey services to help ensure…

Discusses the Master Plan of the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) that has produced two newly completed high-profile structures along with scores of renovations and new buildings in the planning stages. (GR)

Provides examples of academic institutions becoming catalysts in revitalizing downtown areas while also providing themselves with new facilities. How these projects have been mutually beneficial to both school and community is highlighted. (GR)

Discusses four steps to take before starting a major design and construction expansion program: (1) prepare a space program; (2) prepare a detailed conceptual estimate; (3) rank projects in order of importance; and (4) organize the institution to act effectively. (EV)

Declining enrollments and consolidation of school building resources throughout the 1970's resulted in strains on educational facilities as baby boomers now crowd classrooms in the 1980's. Outlines factors administrators should consider when deciding whether to begin new construction projects or remodel existing facilities. (MD)

The library system at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium) is decentralized and scattered throughout the multiple building campus, which itself is spread over the of town of Leuven. This paper presents an overview of a discussion at the university leading to the construction of a new central library for its Exact Sciences campus. Arguments…

Discusses how Bowdoin College built a new science building around an existing one, without destroying the unity of the campus and while preserving a vital green area. Examines architectural design features intended to encourage interdisciplinary learning. Floor plans are included. (GR)

Examines the use of school relocatables to address the demands of increasing student enrollment and space utilization. Considerations involving location selection and building continuity are discussed as are preparatory planning for power hook-ups and inspections. Reasons for using relocatables are highlighted. (GR)

Using the example of Clark County school district in Las Vegas, discusses the challenges faced by administrators of rapidly growing areas. Districts confronting rapid growth must find enough money to build needed facilities, secure appropriate sites for new schools, juggle multiple construction projects, and not let the focus on new facilities…