Provides two examples of college libraries that show the importance of siting and smart design in helping these buildings make bold statements. Photos are included. (GR)

Three design criteria determine the amount of energy consumed in a building: orientation, configuration, and envelope. (Author/MLF)

Discusses the common mistakes in school design and construction and how to avoid them. Mistake avoidance in mastering planning, site acquisition, drawing changes, budgeting, school design process, construction management, and the architect's role are highlighted. (GR)

A collaborative effort is desirable in the design of school buildings and grounds. In site development of school grounds, effective school board work not only requires a workable plan but good construction details and proper specifications which will result in a first-class job and insure minimum maintenance costs. The most effective way to…

Explains how a commons area can serve both the school and community by becoming a cost-effective, space-saving asset to the school building. Examines the commons area as a place for interaction; discusses subdividing it into smaller functional units, locating it, and related lighting and heating issues. (GR)

Aviation High School in Cleveland, Ohio, built on the site of a former dump, presented some unique problems. (Author/MLF)

A large elementary school broken into ten small units serves as the nucleus of an inner-city community in Hartford, Connecticut, providing not only education but a library, social services, cultural facilities, and meeting rooms. (Author/MLF)

Two free sites -- each separated from the other by a busy 6-lane parkway -- presented problems of getting to them and building on them. Describes the additional difficulties encountered when the problem was solved by requesting permission to build a new connecting ramp over the parkway. (Author/EA)

In a Springfield, Massachusetts, school design, tunnels housing community facilities will make it possible to utilize otherwise unusable land and will create neighborhood ties in an area undergoing urban renewal. (Author)

Before one begins the planning process for a new facility, it is important to determine if there is a need for a new facility. The demand for a new facility can be drawn from increases in the number of users, the type of users, and the type of events to be conducted in the facility. A feasibility study should be conducted to analyze the legal…

Securing the right environment for a preschool program requires planning and research. Administrators or searching parties are advised to study zoning codes to become acquainted with state sanitation and safety regulations and laws, to involve teachers in cooperative planning, to design facilities which discourage vandalism, facilitate…

A survey sent out by the Council of Educational Facility Planners International asked for information about specific site problems that have been encountered and solutions for dealing with these problems. Nineteen submissions include contact names and phone numbers. (MLF)