At a time when there are enormous economic pressures on campuses to use resources effectively, space being one of these resources, the academic culture of shared governance, with its fragmented roles for decision making, presents additional challenges. These roles are fragmented due to independent faculty and administrative action. They are…

Space has been of growing significance in social theory in recent years, yet, explorations of it in the scholarship of higher education have been limited. This is surprising, given the critical role space has in shaping staff and students' engagement with the university. Taking a practice-based approach and focusing on academic identities, this…

When one thinks of 21st century schools, one thinks of geometric modern architecture, sustainable building materials, and high-tech modular classrooms. It's rare, though, that a district has the space or the money to build that school from the ground up. Instead, the challenge for most is the transformation of the 20th century architecture to…

The aim of the Secondary School Modernisation Programme, being implemented in Portugal by "Parque Escolar, EPE", is based on the pursuit of quality and makes Portuguese education a potential international benchmark. This paper discusses the strategies adopted to reorganise school spaces. It describes the conceptual model and highlights…

In considering the issue of transforming higher education, people tend to think of the university in the abstract: the idea of providing education and what that means in these changing times. The authors suggest that the physical university should also be considered. At Ferris State University, educators have made a comprehensive effort to…

Facing the possibility of expanding a Montessori school space can seem overwhelming. How does one know if it makes sense for the community? How does one know if the time is right for consideration? How does one know where to get started with such a mountainous task? This article will help to take some of the mystery out of growing a school…

When education providers confront obstacles such as shrinking budgets and swelling enrollments, a multi-million-dollar new facility or major additions probably are not feasible. Converting vacant and underused buildings into school facilities enables administrators to acquire additional space quickly and cheaply. In this article, the authors…

This study involved an in-depth floor space analysis of Cardozo Senior High School, and a review of design plans for a modernized McKinley Tech High School (both in Washington, DC), in order to prompt District of Columbia public schools to develop accurate measurements of useable (i.e., net) floor space, thereby allowing design standards flexible…

This paper discusses the process of updating school capacity, which is subject to change from a variety of factors (to comply with current building codes, changes in educational programs, changes in class size, expansion of educational services, and scheduling). The paper describes the two major components of updating school capacity: the program…

Explores questions of renovation or new construction when evaluating older gymnasiums in schools. Discusses the drawbacks of older structures and the relevant issues of building a new gym, such as access and the use of space, daylight, and materials. Offers tips on using the school landscape and provides a case example. (RJM)

Teachers are responsible for making sure that classroom space is used in the most effective manner. Ways in which a group of teachers cooperated to change a dreary, cramped old school into an exciting learning environment are described. (JN)

School administrators can make changes in schools that will help students learn more effectively. Among these changes are improvements in landscaping, teaching spaces, and storage space. In addition, provisions for a community lounge and spaces for volunteers and the custodial crew will increase the quality of the school environment. (MLF)

This booklet describes a project that converted a 45-year-old school building designed for self-contained classrooms into an open-plan learning center. Purposes of the project were better use of available space to accomodate more students and creation of a warm, flexible learning environment suitable for a nongraded open education approach. As…

Describes techniques to estimate costs to both physically improve a school facility and make it more educationally adequate. Discusses developing the space-utilization plan, designing for scheduling efficiency, and calculating costs for the site and specific facilities. (LMI)

This publication, a supplement to the "North Carolina Public School Facilities Guidelines," is intended as a resource to assist design professionals in planning facilities that meet the evolving needs of public schools in North Carolina. The publication specifically describes early childhood education programs and the facilities that…