Even in difficult economic times, colleges and universities continue to invest in residence hall construction projects as a way to attract new students and keep existing ones on campus. According to data from "American School & University"'s 20th annual Residence Hall Construction Report, the median new project completed in 2008 was…

The construction of residence hall facilities at colleges and universities continues to be strong, as institutions scramble to meet the housing needs and varied demands of a growing student population. This article presents data collected from 39 new residence hall projects completed in 2007. According to American School & University's 19th…

For education administrators, campus fires are not only a distressing loss, but also a stark reminder that a campus faces risks that require special vigilance. In many ways, campuses resemble small communities, with areas for living, working and relaxing. A residence hall fire may raise the specter of careless youth, often with the complication of…

In summer 2005, with two-and-a-half months to convert a nursing home to a 256-bed college residence hall, Philadelphia Biblical University established a fast-track construction schedule. By finishing the project in time for it to house students that fall, the university was able to avoid the high cost of renting accommodations for students.…

It is said that "home is where the heart is." Many colleges and universities are keeping that in mind as they continue to invest in building residential facilities to attract students to on-campus living. Residence hall construction at the nation's higher-education institutions remains strong, as the benefits to students, parents, and the college…

For more than a decade, educators and designers have been moving tentatively into uncharted waters. This article reports that administrators, faculty, and planners now recognize that learning spaces should be developed for reasons beyond utilization numbers. With declining retention and graduation rates, education institutions are acknowledging…

Residence hall construction continues to be a priority for colleges and universities. With enrollments on the upswing, higher-education institutions are spending more and building larger facilities to entice students to live on campus. This article presents the findings of "American School & University's" 17th annual Residence Hall Construction…

One of the defining elements of a university is its architecture. Whether a school has ivy-covered brick buildings or modern steel and glass structures, the character of its campus may be largely shaped by its buildings and the atmosphere they create. It is essential for a university to provide sufficient housing to meet its needs, but it is also…

In this article, the author explores and weighs all the options in choosing furniture for student housing. The first step in acquiring or upgrading residence hall furniture is to research. The Internet and colleagues on campus or at other institutions are options for gathering information. After researching product choices, administrators need to…

Discusses the issues colleges and universities face when choosing furniture for residence halls, including aesthetics, durability, student expectations, technology-friendliness, and encouragement of community. (EV)

Discusses ways colleges and universities are making their residence halls more homelike and less institutional through careful selection of furniture and furnishings. Balancing cost with comfort and adequately addressing student needs for computer space are addressed. (GR)

Discusses the influence of technology and changing student populations in driving colleges to upgrade their facilities in order to survive. Provides an example of one college's transition from a commuter school to one containing residence halls. (GR)

Presents the 11th annual residence hall construction report showing larger sized residence halls are costing less to construct. Statistics are presented of cost ranges for residence hall construction, the amenities being added to today's residence halls, and classroom- and science-building construction. (GR)

Discusses resident hall furniture design that meets student needs as well as the needs of administrators and parents. Furniture design issues examined include the higher expectations of students in their living environment, the need for greater flexibility in space utilization, and adaptability to technology. (GR)

Presents comparative data on college and university residence hall construction projects, including construction costs, size, numbers of students, and cost per square foot. Also provides comparative housing cost data over the past decade and identifies types of amenities being added to dormitories. (GR)