The concept of multipurpose spaces in schools is certainly not new. Especially in elementary schools, the combination of cafeteria and auditorium (and sometimes indoor physical activity space as well) is a well-established approach to maximizing the use of school space and a school district's budget. Nonetheless, there continue to be refinements…

A methodology to develop an easy-to-use toolkit for the preliminary design of high performance schools in hot and humid climates was presented. The toolkit proposed in this research will allow decision makers without simulation knowledge easily to evaluate accurately energy efficient measures for K-5 schools, which would contribute to the…

In the United States, 21% of all energy is used in residential buildings (40% of which is for heating and cooling homes). Promising improvements in residential building energy efficiency are underway such as the Building America Program and the Passive House Concept. The ability of improving energy efficiency in buildings is enhanced by building…

Public education is one of the central tasks of a democratic society, and the buildings that house this important task not only shape the way one teaches, but provide icons and symbols for the values people hold common as a society. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this context has placed school buildings squarely in a position of debate and innovation…

In recent years, more education administrators and designers have embraced the potential benefits of daylighting. They have been persuaded that using natural light to illuminate facilities enables schools and universities to conserve energy and provide a learning environment in which students perform better. For daylighting advocates, the…

THIS PAMPHLET IS WRITTEN TO ASSIST THOSE WHO ARE CONFRONTED WITH MAKING AUDITORIUM FACILITIES HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL FOR BOTH SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY. AREAS DISCUSSED ARE--(1) LOCATION, (2) VESTIBULE, (3) LOBBY, (4) SEATING CAPACITY AND ARRANGEMENT, (5) BALCONY, (6) ORCHESTRA SPACE, (7) FORESTAGE, (8) PROSCENIUM ARCH, (9) STAGE, AND (10) STAGE EQUIPMENT.…

Discussed are what constitutes good lighting for a sports field, what are the best lamp and floodlight types, what is involved in maintenance, and how various systems compare. Lighting for fields of various shapes and tennis courts is examined in detail. (MT)

A PUBLICATION DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE PLANNING OF MUSIC SUITES IN SCHOOLS. THE INFORMATION CAN BE USED IN THE PREPARATION OF PLANS FOR NEW BUILDINGS AND IMPROVING FACILITIES FOR MUSIC EDUCATION IN EXISTING BUILDINGS. SECTIONS INCLUDED DEAL WITH--(1) THE MUSIC PROGRAM AND SPECIAL NEEDS OF THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT, (2) LOCATION OF MUSIC ROOMS, (3) TYPES…

Featured in this report is a summary of an extensive and unique study of color combinations and lighting. The summary presents the highlights of a report by Xr. Harry Helson which brings to fulfillment the complex work of this distinguished psychologist who began his inquiries in the late 50's. The report provides a method of forecasting whether a…

An architect interested in schools offers suggestions on how color affects student happiness and productivity. (Editor)

A consulting engineer's lighting designer, brought into a project at its conceptual stage, could influence the architectural design in such a way so as to incorporate a lighting system that is both aesthetically pleasing and economical. To do this, he must speak the architect's language. (Author)

Ways to provide adequate illumination, but at the same time minimize costs in school facilities. (Author/MLF)