The article looks at one university-related research park, the Alabama TechnaCenter, which is characterized by cooperation between the community and Auburn University. Considered are benefits of the park perspective; early involvement of Gunter Air Base; first buildings; cooperation of government, business, and university agencies; and…

Three articles provide tips for remodeling or building a school media center. Topics addressed include computer workstations; furnishings; packing, moving, and reshelving books; handicapped accessibility; advisory committees; documentation; design elements to increase the comfort of librarians and students; and miscellaneous considerations such as…

School construction has been increasing significantly over the last eight years. However, more money is being spent on adding to and retrofitting existing buildings than on constructing new schools. This trend is expected to continue because of increasing enrollments, deteriorating buildings, programs that require more space, and the influence of…

Postoccupancy evaluation is a set of procedures and tools used to learn how well design ideas have worked in real buildings. Explores some of the important issues about postoccupancy evaluation using questions that are often asked about this new component in the building delivery system. (MLF)

Offers schools and parent-teacher groups an organized, systematic approach to the development, building, and maintenance of a safe playground. Includes advice on (1) initial planning strategies; (2) safety guidelines for the selection of equipment and surface materials; (3) layout and design; and (4) installation and maintenance. (TJQ)

Architects can use space, light, and color to facilitate rather than inhibit learning. After educators determine the needs of their students and design a curriculum, the architect's challenge is to create a space that can support and be a part of the changing curriculum. (MLF)

A University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee building illustrates how an academic building can be ill-suited to its users due to uncompromising adherence to its formal conception. The building is out of scale with its neighbors and unsuccessful in fulfilling human needs, particularly those constituting the latent functions of the building. (MSE)

A survey sent out by the Council of Educational Facility Planners International asked for information about specific site problems that have been encountered and solutions for dealing with these problems. Nineteen submissions include contact names and phone numbers. (MLF)

Discusses the preconstruction planning process that can help reduce costs and minimize construction risks when building educational facilities. Factors for successful implementation of the planning process are examined. (GR)

The planning and design of educational facilities is impacted by developments in information technology and telecommunications. Potentials for improving education, the realities facing educational facilities planners, and achieving these potentials are examined. Planning principles followed by the influences educational facilities may have on…

Describes the methodology in school building capacity determination and reasons for its periodic reevaluation. Determinants of capacity include analysis of classroom function and size requirements as mandated by educational departments and building codes. Reasons for reevaluation include changes in educational programs, expansion of services, and…

It is critical that school facility planning and design include auxiliary spaces that uphold the primary instructional program. This article identifies major support elements (storage, hallways, cafeteria, library/media center, administrative and guidance offices, and outdoor facilities) to be incorporated and discusses how to make these…

Examines the award-winning Commonwealth Hall, a new education and development center at the University of Virginia's College at Wise, that helped the campus acknowledge the beauty of its rural location and the region's industrial history. Discusses the building design's connectivity with other facilities, its blending in with the surrounding…

Examines the sociotechnological impact of introducing collaborative technologies into the Spurlock Museum at the University of Illinois. Discusses online information technology to support asynchronous collaboration between curators and exhibit designers planning a new museum facility, and building a virtual museum by linking museum databases to…

Provides guidelines for making schools more energy efficient that includes the development of an architectural (usage) program; the prudent use of lighting that combines natural and artificial light augmented by interior finishes; and the use of site orientation, landscaping, and building organization. An example of one school's use of this type…