Electronic communication networks can provide facility planners with a rapid forum for the exchange of ideas and a quick survey process. Provides information about the Facilities and Services Listserv (FACSER), designed for the exchange of ideas related to higher education, and other services and networks such as BITNET, ARPANET, and INTERNET.…

Outlines factors to be considered in planning a dedicated room when a school system plans to become involved in a network of interactive television for distance learning. (MLF)

To meet the need for a new 750-student elementary school and avoid future underuse problems in one Montgomery County Public Schools (Maryland) neighborhood, Thomas Clark Associates developed a program of prefabricated classroom and classroom support spaces. This program will allow the school to be moved to another site if enrollment changes. (MLH)

Recent studies show that built environment is a key element in a school's overall success. Since today's educators promote a thinking-based, integrated curriculum, the learning environment is especially important. Landscape architects can create ecosystems for students to explore, study, and adapt. Structural engineers can create lessons in…

A new high school in Stillwater, Minnesota, was completed in June 1993 with the objectives of creating a safe indoor environment, minimizing health risks to construction workers, and avoiding a negative impact on the environment. Lists the guidelines used to evaluate products and methods. Displays the findings of five school systems regarding the…

A procedure for physical facilities management written 17 years ago is still worth following today. Each of the steps outlined for planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and evaluating must be accomplished if school facilities are to be properly planned and constructed. However, lessons have been learned about energy consumption and proper…

Examines the usefulness of automating college and university facility management and illustrates one university's effort to adopt a state-of-the-art facility management technology system. Various modules in automated facility management systems are highlighted, including facility assessment; and space, master, and location planning. (GR)

Describes one Canadian school district's use of an integrated Facilities Management Information System (FMIS) to help address the effective and efficient planning, building, operating, and maintaining of their schools and other Board facilities. Development of the FMIS and its demands for organizational restructuring and change in the workplace…

Describes The Walt Disney Company's K-12 school of the future design that was developed from combining the hands-on knowledge of a school district and the curriculum expertise of a teaching university. Several illustrations and a basic floor plan are provided. (GR)

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)

Presents comparative regional data on school construction activities and costs for 1998 and 1999 projections. Regional data include profiles of new buildings expected to be completed in 1999, college construction completed and projected for starting in 1999, and the types of residence-hall amenities and the percentages of how often they are found.…

Discusses how one college resolved the problems of building a high-tech, modern-design college science center on a visible location within a traditional-looking campus. Design features that helped the facility blend into its traditional surroundings are highlighted. (GR)

Discusses how a college can develop an integrated campus design that allows for flexibility for future technological change while preserving a campus's character. Steps in planning the best architectural solutions are highlighted and examples of various solutions in creating a new campus image and feel are discussed. (GR)

Discusses how two small communities, driven by economic exigency, combined forces to build one preschool through grade-three school using the geodesic dome design. The school planning committee's decision-making process in using the geodesic design is examined, including design features that made the school an attractive alternative to traditional…

Explains how working with architects, involving the community, and developing a comprehensive program can eliminate many of the problems encountered when planning a school renovation. Steps in program development are highlighted, including discussions on each of the factors in building programs, such as enrollment trends, space needs, technology…