Strategic planning provides a comprehensive, systematic, and flexible approach to charting direction. Lists an eight-step process and questions for strategic planning. Emphasizes the role of architects in strategic planning. (five references) (MLF)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. Explains Titles I, II, and III of ADA regulations. (13…

A screening and ranking procedure for selecting school sites in California is based on the criteria of safety, environment, size and shape, location, soils, topography, accessibility, utilities, political implications, public services, cost, and availability. An explanation of these criteria is included along with a list of secondary criteria.…

Argues that barrier-free designs should be incorporated in the first steps of school facility planning to avoid the difficulties in meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines during renovations. Explains why not all barriers need be removed to make a facility accessible to everyone. Discusses issues involving ADA guidelines and child…

Examines what should be featured in an athletic facility, how to plan for the many different sports and activities that will be housed, and how to get the community involved. Areas addressed include planning for locker rooms and storage, flooring and lighting, building code adherence, spectator seating, building security, and outdoor recreation…

Discusses the planning process of renewing old school facilities through the imaginative use of a district's existing resources. The following five planning and implementation steps are examined: the evaluation of existing resources; reconfirming the district's educational philosophy; compiling key facility program information; recognizing the…

Presents examples of school capacity assessment worksheets. Worksheets provide areas for listing classroom numbers, size, and capacity figures for all grades. The high school worksheet, unlike the other grades, breaks out classroom figures by specific room function. (GR)

Describes the four-step process of designing a library systems office at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC): (1) Collect Data: Why Create a Systems Office; (2) Organize and Present Preliminary Data: Educate and Involve Stakeholders; (3) Identify Actions: Write a Plan; and (4) Implement. Addresses the major problems encountered,…

Discusses the areas to consider when renovating a school to enhance student learning and achievement. The following areas are covered: structural condition, environmental quality, size and capacity, safety and security, site location, and symbolic value and aesthetics. (GR)

Discusses how newly built schools are becoming community activity centers with input from the community. Gives several examples of how communities were involved in the school planning and redesign process that also created room for community use of the school. (GR)

Describes an enrollment-forecasting process in which technical experts and local community stakeholders worked together to produce cost-effective, yet fairly accurate data. The large Oregon district employing the process gained insights to guide its attendance-zone and facilities-planning decisions and to garner community support. (MLH)

Examines an Albanian suburban school design whose structure is intended to meet the community's present and changing needs, and to stimulate learning. Examines design planning, the school's role in the community, and project costs and includes a drawing of the school's ground floor plan. (GR)

Explains how a new systems administrator can make good first impressions, become familiar with the library, and take charge. Describes ways of working effectively with equipment and human resources, and outlines types of library staff personalities the systems librarian may encounter. Discusses organizing the data gathered into action plans. (AEF)

Discusses school design trends for increasing student populations and accommodating new teaching paradigms and technology. Also discussed is school planning and the question of whom the school of the future should serve and its role in the community. (GR)

Provides a checklist to guide decisions of college planners about whether a university should adapt a historic house for campus use. Covers issues of functionality, aesthetics, budget, and typical preservation issues. Includes case studies at New York University, Yale University (Connecticut), and Wesleyan University (Connecticut). (DB)