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)

Interest in building systems is growing rapidly as school officials become increasingly aware of their advantages: lower cost, faster occupancy, and improved appearances. (Author/MLF)

Illustrates how systems planning can be used in the recycling of old school space and in erecting multistory additions. (Author/DN)

Spokane (Washington) School District No. 81 has replaced 12 obsolete elementary schools and enlarged a thirteenth. A design competition involving three consortia of 10 local architectural firms and the use of a prototype design for all 12 new schools saved the school district about $8 million from the original estimate. (MLF)

The classrooms of the Franklin County (Virginia) Continuing Education Center are in a modular building constructed to replace one destroyed by fire. (MLF)

Monolithic domes are less costly to build than traditional structures and can cost as much as 50 percent less to heat and cool. Districts across the country that have opted for monolithic-dome school facilities say their decision was a cost-effective alternative to conventional construction. (MLH)

The Fullerton Union High School District investigated and found that the construction management approach provides assistance to control and supervise an entire building program. (Author/MLF)

Examples of different ways to cut school construction costs without sacrificing either comfort or aesthetics. (Author/MLF)

Explores ways to keep school construction costs in line from initial programing and preliminary design through construction and financing. (Author)

Cost differences in school construction are attributable to scope, quantity, quality, and a range of intangible factors. Building costs can be reduced, but it requires a major effort on all fronts to be successful. (Author/MLF)

Debunks the myths surrounding the use of modular facilities for solving school-budgeting problems. Myths concerning poor modular strength, slow construction speed versus site-built construction, poorer durability and quality, and lack of aesthetic diversity are discussed. Comparative construction characteristics are highlighted. (GR)

Many districts are using portables as relatively permanent installations. Although permanent buildings are more expensive to construct, their operating cost is only $1.30 per square foot, compared to $5 for portables. The overall cost of using portable classrooms to solve long-term problems eventually surpasses costs of building permanent…

Describes the advantages of metal building systems in school construction. These advantages include faster occupancy, lower initial costs, reduced maintenance, flexibility, and predictability of cost. (Author/DN)

Proven construction techniques implemented by an efficient construction management can save both time and money for school boards. (Author)