School construction overruns and other disappointments usually stem from inadequate planning, mismanagement, and inexperienced individuals. This article shows how to compute "ballpark" estimates based on a district's unique planning requirements for curriculum, scheduling, and class sizes; screen firms' and individuals' qualifications;…

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…

Presents a list of construction cost comparisons from 25 selected metropolitan markets across the United States. Costs are shown on a square foot basis and for the basic building itself during the years of 1997 and 1998 with the percentage change. Vocational schools are included along with elementary and secondary school buildings. (GR)

Provides photos, a floor plan, and general description of a high school designed to function as an educational, cultural, and recreation activity center for the entire community. Construction data and costs are included along with information about the architectural firm and construction team. (GR)

Describes how two school districts--one in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; the other in Yorktown, Virginia--involved their communities in a school building and renovation planning process called discovery through viewpoint and diagram (DVD). (PKP)

This document presents a complete list of school construction projects, as of 1972, so that designers, educators, and interested citizens can visit or otherwise be aware of particular efforts in their district and elsewhere in North Carolina. Elementary, Middle, and High School buildings are included. Each offering provides the floor plan,…

North Carolina local public school boards have the statutory responsibility for operating public schools and for entering into contracts for design and construction of their schools. This document presents examples of plans for school buildings planned or constructed during the last few years, as of 1981, representing a wide range of educational…

North Carolina local public school boards have the statutory responsibility for operating public schools and for entering into contracts for design and construction of their schools. This document presents examples of plans for school buildings planned or constructed during the last few years, as of 1986, representing a wide range of educational…

North Carolina local public school boards have the statutory responsibility for operating public schools and for entering into contracts for design and construction of their schools. This document presents examples of plans for school buildings planned or constructed during the last few years , as of 1993, representing a wide range of educational…

A preliminary study concluded that a floating classroom complex is both technically and economically feasible. A unique roofing and ceiling combination cut costs in Tampa, Florida. (Author/MLF)

AIR STRUCTURES ARE FABRIC BUILDINGS BLOWN UP AND HELD UP BY AIR PRESSURE. EXPERIMENTS WITH SUCH STRUCTURES WERE CONDUCTED AS EARLY AS 1917. IN 1948 THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE SOUGHT A NEW WAY OF HOUSING LARGE RADAR ANTENNAE PLANNED FOR THE ARCTIC. AS AN OUTCOME OF THEIR SEARCH, BIRDAIR STRUCTURES, INC., WHICH IS NOW ONE OF SEVERAL COMPANIES…

A SET OF EDUCATIONAL SPECIFICATION DRAFTED BY THE FIRST CALIFORNIA COMMISSION ON SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS GIVES INFORMATION ON BIDDING PROCEDURES, A DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM, PROCEDURES FOR SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL, DATA AND CONDITIONS RELATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT PHASE OF THE PROJECT, COMPONENT CONTRACTS, AND GENERAL…

Air structures are fabric buildings blown up and held up by air pressure. Experiments with such structures were conducted as early as 1917. In 1948 the United States Air Force sought a new way of housing large radar antennae planned for the arctic. As an outcome of their search, Birdair Structures, Inc., which is now one of several companies…

Information is presented regarding the current trend in educational facilities planning. Discussion is included of--(1) outstanding features of award winning schools, (2) multi-story schools, (3) reshaping schools, (4) innovative trends, (5) design criteria, (6) geometric form, and (7) cost factors. Examples are shown of nearly every style of…

This publication is the result of a study authorized by the Washington State Legislature to identify and isolate factors that contribute to higher costs of building. The committee charged with this study combined existing research and information on the subject with its own suggestions. It developed recommendations to assist the school…