Describes a technique developed over the last 15 years in conjunction with South Carolina school districts to help them set priorities when addressing school building needs. Identifies five factors that are used to measure the overall impact of an individual facilities project in relation to other projects, thereby ranking projects according to an…

To respond to fluctuations in population, a Maryland school system selected pre-engineered relocatable classroom modules. If school enrollment declines, the classroom modules could be removed, disassembled into halves, and trucked to another site. (MLF)

In this issue, which examines the use of standards in school facility planning, the introduction points out that persons involved in educational building want to know what standards are to be used for planning, designing, and utilizing educational facilities. However, there is a lack of uniformity and even the absence of standards in some cases.…

All state departments of education in the United States and Canada were surveyed in regard to their space recommendations for elementary and secondary schools. Survey results from 49 states and 5 provinces are categorized by 5 space types, with 28 room types; 3 grade levels; and 3 ranges of space. (MLF)

Describes Boston University's (Massachusetts) attempt to build new schools to replace out-of-date facilities in the Chelsea (Massachusetts) public school system. The school replacement process, detailed by a member of the Boston University management team, reveals a successful attempt to obtain approval and funding to rebuild the elementary and…

Considerations in the planning and construction of overseas college campuses are discussed, and the process followed by Webster University (Missouri) in developing four European campuses is described. Special issues arising in the conversion of one location from leased facilities to an institution-owned site, including zoning and construction…

Costs that may increase the original school construction estimates include school-design inefficiency, architect fees, and costs for land, site development, technology, demolition, consultants, and security. A quality-review team can plan to avoid hidden costs and ensure that the new facility will meet instructional needs at the least possible…

Outlines a five-step process to help school and community members in planning the initial phases of a new school: (1) establish a realistic planning timeline; (2) select a design team with diverse perspectives; (3) develop a sense of team/community among design-team members; (4) develop a vision for a new facility; and (5) select an architect.…

Provides a working model, or template, for community-based environmental learning centers (ELCs). The template presents a philosophy as well as a plan for staff and administration operations, educational programming, and financial support. The template also addresses "green" construction and maintenance of buildings and grounds and…

Discussion of building new library facilities focuses on reflections of what could be done differently after a building is completed, based on experiences at Winona State University. Topics include windows; emergency exits; wired study furniture for portable computing; rest rooms; compact shelving; OPAC terminals; elevators; and functionality.…

Change must be personally relevant, beneficial, clearly defined and believed to be achievable. To renovate school facilities, several steps are necessary: identifying future trends and making them personally applicable, establishing a realistic vision, creating functional facility goals, seeing the building as an empty shell, and considering…

Describes the building design of the high school named in the title, including the educational context and design goals. Includes information on the architects, manufacturers/suppliers, and construction team; a general building description; and a case study of construction costs and specifications. Also provides the floor plan and photographs. (EV)

Describes the building design of the J. J. "Jake" Pickle Elementary/St. John Community Center in Austin, Texas, including the educational context, design goals, and architects and contractor. Discusses the incorporation of objects from the community as art specimens within the building. Also provides the floor plan and photographs. (EV)

Describes the award-winning building design of Goodview Elementary School in Bedford County, Virginia, including the educational context, design goals, and architects and contractor. Also provides the floor plan and photographs. (EV)

Describes the building of the Wisconsin high school named in the title, including the educational context and design goals. Includes information on the architects, manufacturers/suppliers, and construction team; extended product information; a general building description; and a case study of construction costs and specifications. Also provides…