Describes the methodology used by a Belgian community to determine the community's building needs at all levels of education. Explains how the inquiry evaluated building stock, needs, and effects; and offers recommendations for increasing investment funds, distributing resources, relying on experts' reports, budgeting for resources, and increasing…

Examines the planning, renovation and enlargement, and funding of a new University of Utah football stadium that would also be used in the 2002 Winter Olympics. Contractor selection, solutions to construction challenges, and the steps taken to minimize risk and guarantee success of the projects are discussed, including the fact that the stadium is…

Offers suggestions for facility managers who work with architects. Outlines what managers should do, such as clear decision making, and what they should not do, such as promising project delivery when not having control of all the variables. Provides a list of expectations and realities when working with architects. (RJM)

Offers suggestions for facilities managers to alleviate dissatisfaction with architects during school building or renovation projects. Areas discussed include budgets, communication, program development, scheduling, firm hiring, resource allocating, fees payment, and increasing the scope of the projects. (RE)

Describes how school districts are successfully reopening previously closed schools to accommodate growing enrollment trends. Issues including upgrading buildings, financing school reopenings, and regaining control of facilities that have been leased or sold for other purposes are discussed. (GR)

Discusses the importance of including the community in school planning and the use of public hearings to gain community support and advice. Checklists are provided for the logistics of handling public hearing and advisory committees. (GR)

Explores how a new school facility can be important, not only as a community center, but also as a resource center for library services such as computer labs, Internet service, and current periodicals. The article also examines how one Missouri school district planned its new school library to serve the community. (GR)

Shares some of the success stories of the University of Alabama's Design Build Services Department and the keys to achieving that success. The evolution of the school's in-house construction management is detailed along with the department's history. (GR)

Except for unusually large and complicated school building projects, it is more cost-effective to use consultants and in-house personnel for project administration than it is to retain an outside construction-management firm. (MLF)

This article presents reasons for and against in-house master planning of major college campus facilities. Examples of the in-house planning process are from Mesa State College (Colorado). Guidelines offered for in-house planning include: plan for interruptions, plan for change, identify areas where additional help is needed, get consistent data…

Discusses the changing field of educational specifications and facility planning, community partnerships, changing school technology, and the role of playgrounds in education. Also discussed are the accomplishments and role of the Council of Educational Facilities Planners. (GR)

Discusses the necessary elements in business planning that can help make building a new campus less difficult. Successful plan administators provide their thoughts on establishing the need for new facilities, closing the funding deal, and selecting and developing the site. (GR)

Describes the design features of the grand prize winners of the 2002 "Learning by Design" contest--an addition to West Linn High School in West Linn, Oregon, and the renovation of Beaver Brook Academic Center/The Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, Connecticut. Also describes the designs of the eight citation winners. (EV)

An outdoor meditation area can support campers' and guests' spiritual growth through a peaceful sensory experience. The bench, alcove, or place of worship should have a focus. Other suggested elements include a bridging pathway; photogenic view; soothing sounds and smells; inspirational plaques, inscriptions, or prayers; recognition of donors; and…

Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) is an informal national alliance working to build strong learning environments for undergraduate students in math, engineering, and fields of science. As director of PKAL, this author was invited by the editors of "Change" to identify resources for academic communities that are seeking to transform campus…