2009 heralds the implementation of the much-anticipated evolution of the United States Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system. This overhaul incorporates eight years of user feedback
By the time this issue is in your hand, the nation will have inaugurated its 44th President, Barack Obama. Prior to being sworn into office, he announced that he would implement an economic stimulus package that, among a number of other things, would incl
A school can easily seem like a prison to students, staff, and parents. Improper design, hallway color schemes, poorly designed or implemented access control systems, and even impolite staff can create this resemblance. At the same time, careful planning
Moving toward universal design hasn't been without its challenges, but Pennsylvania's Edinboro University is a leader. Here's a look at the school's history and success in creating space that everyone can use.
A lack of software interoperability can make deploying new technology in a school a challenging task. The School Interoperability Framework Association (SIF Association) addresses the problems of software interoperability through their creation of a stand
All components that make up a school from interior classrooms and hallways to exterior playgrounds and entrances are now built with universal access as a fundamental component of the overall design process, making it easier for all children
IP-based access control is fast becoming the technology of choice for schools by enabling their access control system to reside on the existing network.
An eight-year, $260M expansion project that began in 2004 at the San Ramon Valley Unified School District involves renovating many of its 29 existing campuses and building eight new campuses. Besides a major investment in bricks and mortar, the district i
Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205, in Elmhurst, IL, welcomed the public to tour the newly renovated and expanded Hawthorne Elementary School. A special dedication to celebrate the completion of the school's $16M makeover was held in Septemb
Undoubtedly, audio visual and presentation system technologies are becoming increasingly embedded components of classroom instruction. Administrators must evaluate its relevance and rigor what's being used, how and why it's being used, ho
No one out there will disagree that 2008 has not been without its challenges, but those of us who have grown up in the industry have met challenges like this before and won and I am confident that we will again. In addition to the economy, there ha
Built on the site of an 1887 school, the 1920s Lone Pine Elementary School in east Medford, OR, is about to undergo a phased renovation and construction project that will result in an eco-friendly, mostly new school.
Security experts who understand how K-12 schools work can usually prevent deadly gaps upfront and, as seen in this case, can often help correct misapplication of security technology. Clearly, the assessment process is far smoother and much less expensive
Merrill Community Schools, a district that serves over 800 students in Saginaw County, MI, faced tight budgets, inefficient building systems, and rising energy costs. But although the district wanted to make infrastructure improvements and cut its utility
The inauguration of President-elect Obama in January brings not only changes to the executive branch, but also changes in Congress with a larger Democratic majority. While we have a month until that happens, much is still going on with the transition team
It can be argued that energy efficiency has impacted the roofing industry more than other aspect of the construction industry. Codes have been developed, organizations formed and regulations established all addressing the issue of energy-efficient
Specifying carpet in schools continues to be the subject of great debate. Finding a carpet style that meets all of the design, performance, budget, and sustainability objectives for a renovation or new construction project can seem like an overwhelming, i
The repercussions of the current economic downturn are being felt far beyond the real estate and financial markets where the problem originated; the school construction industry is certainly no exception. Budget deficits are standing in the way of schools
Now schools and universities installing new restrooms or redesigning old ones are viewing them with a lot of old-fashioned practicality in mind. Instead of expensive, luxury fixtures, more educational facilities are turning to sensible, long-lasting produ
A compelling issue in education and school planning is how to engage "digital natives" in the learning process, especially when they are being taught by "digital immigrants." Children who are immersed in technology from the moment they