Each month, "American School & University" provides a mix of thought-provoking features, how-to-articles, industry reports, exclusive surveys, new sections, insightful columns, new product introductions and case histories to assist education officials in better performing their jobs. This December 2004 issue includes the following:…

Direct purchase of natural gas may help schools and universities avoid increases when price controls on new natural gas are removed. For an educational institution to take advantage of the new regulations, gas must be purchased and transportation arranged, either individually or through a consortium. (TE)

The introductory article to this special issue, entitled "Architectural Portfolio," forecasts, in the move toward the 21st century, grade organizational changes so that school districts can keep buildings operating; continued emphasis on energy conservation; and more educational funds going into school maintenance, modernization, and additions.…

Guidelines for the use of school physical education facilities by nonschool groups are summarized. A written district policy, a facility use agreement form, proof of insurance coverage, a fee schedule, and clear policies on prohibited activities are recommended. Selected regulations for community sports are cited. (MJL)

A review of eight case studies of nontraditional construction methods. (Author)

AS&U interviews architect Edward Larrabee Barnes, who discusses two basic mistakes made by high schools and colleges in planning performing arts facilities. He explains that (1) they try to build flexibility into formal theaters and (2) they emphasize loads of seating, but leave little space for experimental work. (Author)

School closings can be made more acceptable to a community if a long-range plan for dealing with declining enrollments is developed that includes a statement of goals, process, criteria, and efforts to include public information and interaction. (Author/MLF)

Each month, "American School & University" provides a mix of thought-provoking features, how-to-articles, industry reports, exclusive surveys, new sections, insightful columns, new product introductions and case histories to assist education officials in better performing their jobs. This October 2004 issue includes the following:…

Second of a six-part series asks some of the questions that need to be answered in order to plan useful media facilities. (MLF)

Space relations are discussed in this article, part of a six-part series on planning and design of media centers. (Author/MLF)

Practical energy-design elements adaptable for schools include building orientation and shape, inclusion of an energy-storage system, window placement, double or triple window glazing, air-curtain windows, and the use of earth berms and trees as wind breaks. (MLF)

A landscape architect explains how maintenance requirements and costs are affected by landscape design, the physical demands of the site, and the relative use of grass, ground cover, shrubs, and trees. The relationship of these factors to initial and ongoing maintenance costs, including staff requirements, is discussed. (MLF)

The active involvement of students and the community in planning a school site in Grand Rapids (Michigan) overcame initial opposition and resulted in the creation of a community center/park. (MLF)

Each month "American School & University" provides a mix of thought-provoking features, how-to-articles, industry reports, exclusive surveys, new sections, insightful columns, new product introductions and case histories to assist education officials in better performing their jobs. This March 2004 issue includes the following: "Where Children…

There are many design features that can be used to achieve an energy-efficient building. Described are task lighting, unoccupied space shutoff, onsite well with heat pump, wide-band thermostats, and solar energy. (MLF)