The Alpha point of the authors' life as a Montessori educator began in 1959, when he was a graduate student studying philosophy at Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. While studying the works of the great American philosopher William James, the author came across the writings of Maria Montessori and immediately became captivated by her…

Educational facilities became important public and specialised buildings since governments began to face the right of populations to education. Policies to provide educational buildings that respect modern notions of comfort and hygiene led architects to develop architectural concepts that corresponded to new demands on education. The need to…

In December 2005, the United Kingdom launched a process for evaluating the design quality of primary and secondary school buildings. The Design Quality Indicator (DQI) for Schools is a tool that can assist stakeholders--teachers, parents, school governors, students, community members, local authority clients and building professionals--to achieve…

Why do construction projects fail? Ineffective communication and collaboration, and poor pre-planning processes are among the reasons given by building owners in a recent survey. To avoid those pitfalls, colleges and universities need to take a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to preplanning, financing and carrying out their master plans…

Presents findings from an annual report on education construction, which concluded that education construction remained one of the few bright spots in an otherwise lackluster economy. Includes several tables of construction spending data. (EV)

Asserts that one of the surest ways to prevent indoor air quality and mold issues is to use preventive construction materials, discussing typical resistance to dealing with mold problems (usually budget-related) and describing mold-resistant construction, which uses concrete masonry, brick, and stone and is intended to withstand inevitable…

Offers ten ideas for schools and universities before embarking on a new construction project: defining a school, shared space, sustainability, outdoor landscape, geoexchange, a variety of spaces, student-oriented space, technology, community use, and security. (EV)

Describes a web-based project management (WBPM) for university construction projects and the two approaches for establishing this type of system. Also highlighted are how a WBPM can improve project delivery by reducing project lost time, system comparisons, and project cost savings generated by a WBPM. (GR)

The Educational Facilities Laboratories (EFL), an independent research organization established by the Ford Foundation, opened its doors in 1958 under the direction of Harold B. Gores, a distinguished educator. Its purpose was to help schools and colleges maximize the quality and utility of their facilities, stimulate research, and disseminate…

School construction projects go more smoothly when architects and administrators understand each other's roles and expectations. Education administrators should understand what architects do and what they need to be effective in their jobs; architects should be aware of how education institutions function and the specific traits of the school…

This report presents discussion from the 2000 Delaware Policy Forum "Planning Delaware's School Needs: Issues of Location, Design, and Infrastructure," which was held October 12, 2000, in Wyoming, Delaware. The forum brought together representatives of state agencies, including people from the Department of Transportation, the Department…

This report presents the historical background of the Ford Foundation's Educational Facilities Laboratories (EFL), including its funding sources, guiding principles, leadership, operations, philanthropic ventures, and publications. EFL began in response to the need for new educational facilities because of the baby boom in the 1950s and 1960s. How…

The Boston school system saved $3 million by renovating the old Boston Gas Company building rather than building a new school. (WD)

Discusses the advantages of metal building and roofing systems, especially the use of steel. Considers such factors as installation ease and design flexibility, reliability and durability, and cost-effectiveness. (PKP)

Describes the metal roof system of Robert C. Cooley Middle School in Roseville, California, installed by Kodiak Roofing and Waterproofing Company as part of the school construction project. (EV)