Proper planning of school facilities is critical for all school districts no matter how large or small, whether major construction is in the works or the district is managing enrollment declines. When school districts properly plan for their school facilities they have better schools, more public use and higher value for public spending. This…

This paper addresses construction that takes place in or near the school building while school is in session--the most difficult kind of construction to manage. Success largely depends upon the preparation, competence, and goodwill of the school district's facility staff, the project architect/engineer, the contractor, and local school…

All private colleges and universities make strategic capital investments and consider the use of debt to fund those investments. From the commonplace purchase of photocopiers to the construction of new academic buildings or dormitories, investment decisions that yield long-term financial benefits must follow on the heels of careful analysis. To…

Using local contractors for construction work benefits the community by keeping money in the area and reducing the cost of imported management and labor. To accomplish this, the construction management firm must have the commitment to working with the local contractors throughout the entire design, bidding, and construction period. (MLF)

Defines construction management, lists the qualifications for the position, the services offered, and the benefits of construction management. (MLF)

This article outlines how to construct a film analyzer and digitizer, both of which are used in the study of body mechanics. (DS)

This manual addresses court design and planning; the construction process; court surface selection; accessories and amenities; indoor tennis court design and renovation; care and maintenance tips; and court repair, reconstruction, and renovation. General and membership information is provided on the U.S. Tennis Court and Track Builders Association…

Describes the array of contractual features between the project owner and the main contractor that can lead individually or in permutations to expediting the construction process and reducing the financial risks and expenditures of the project owner. (MLF)

As the leaders of the construction team, owners should (1) become knowledgeable about the construction industry, or hire someone who has that knowledge; (2) use familiar, tested, and fair contract forms; and (3) hire the most competent architects and engineers, and pay them fairly. (MLF)

This guide provides a framework for community involvement in the complex process of modernizing or building new public school buildings. The guide reflects two fundamental premises: (1) The condition and design of school buildings and grounds affect the quality of education and the vitality of the school and its community; and (2) Broad community…

Home-built adventure-education courses exhibit refreshing creativity but almost always fall short of their potential due to inadequate construction techniques and materials. A ropes course inspector for the adventure education industry discusses the most common mistakes made in home-built ropes courses and how to prevent or fix them. (TD)

Guidelines for organizing parents, school staff, and community members for the purpose of building or redesigning a playground are provided in this document. After brief discussions of needs assessment and what to do in the first planning meeting, the paper focuses on the responsibilities and activities associated with three committees: planning,…

Postoccupancy evaluation is a careful, systematic, and reliable process intended to ensure that findings can be applied to future buildings. Some of the important issues about postoccupancy evaluation are explored using questions that are often asked about this new component in the building delivery system. (MLF)

Guidelines are presented on tennis court and track and field construction that reflect the latest developments in construction technology, methodology, and practice. Based on contributions from experienced certified tennis court and track builders, material suppliers and design professionals, this manual examines each of the critical areas of…

Ferrocement, a mixture of portland cement, fine sand, and wire mesh, provides an inexpensive medium for creative playground equipment. The steps involved in building a ferrocement playground sculpture are described, and a bibliography for additional information is provided. (JMF)