ERIC ED425616: Reinvigorating Our Schools.

18 Pages·1998·0.72 MB·English

by  ERIC

DOCUMENT RESUME
ED 425 616
EF 005 109
TITLE
Reinvigorating Our Schools.
INSTITUTION
American Inst. of Architects, Washington,
DC.
PUB DATE
1998-00-00
NOTE
17p.
AVAILABLE FROM
American Institute of Architects,
1735 New York Avenue,
N.W., Washington, DC 20006-5292; Tel:
800-365-2724 (Toll
Free); Web site: http://www.aiaonline.com
(free; bulk orders
4W866, $1 each).
PUB TYPE
Guides
Non-Classroom (055)
EDRS PRICE
MF01/PC01 Plus Postage.
DESCRIPTORS
*Architects; *Building Design; Construction
Costs;
Educational Environment; Educational
Facilities Design;
*Educational Facilities Planning; Educational
Finance;
Elementary Secondary Education; School
Safety; School Size;
Site Selection; Space Utilization
IDENTIFIERS
Learning Environments
ABSTRACT
This step-by-step guide helps communities
think and talk
about school renewal through innovative
planning and design, and high quality
construction. It begins with
an overview of need and available funding, then
describes potential members of
a school-improvement team. These include:
architects, state school agents, community
groups, local elected and
appointed officials, bankers, engineers,
developers and lawyers. How an
experienced architect enhances value is
described, as well as options for
saving time and money on school projects.
Guidelines for planning a school is
set out in six discussion elements:
(1) structural condition;
(2)
environmental quality;
(3) size and capacity;
(4) safety and security;
(5)
site location; and (6) symbolic value
and aesthetics. References for further
information are included. Local American
Institute of Architects components
that can help communities in finding
an experienced school architect are
listed by state and city.
(JM)
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Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best
that can be made
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1,1
Itf THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS
To get the best additions,
renovations, and new
construction for your school
funds tomorrow, you need
to plan today.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND
Office of Educational Research and improvement
DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION
BEEN GRANTED BY
CENTER (ERIC)
)4 This document has been reproduced as
received from the person or organization
David Klerdue
originating it.
0 Minor changes have been made to
AIA
improve reproduction quality.
TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Points of view or opinions stated in this
INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)
document do not necessarily represent
1
official OERI position or policy.
I
II
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
THE SECRETARY
October 1998
The first Baby Boom Echo report issued by the U S Department of Education in September 1996
described the record breaking number of children who would be attending our schools for the
next ten years This boom in student enrollment is different than those in the past because there
will be continuous growth rather than growth that plateaus after a few years These steady
increases are putting a strain on school systems and school facilities that is being felt by teachers,
administrators, and students
Several recent studies and reports have described the dismal condition of many of our public
school buildings and the immediate need for repair and modernization of these facilities The
crumbling infrastructure of our current school facilities coupled with the demand for more
I I
I
schools and classrooms as a result of the "baby boom echo" and the demands of technology, has
heightened the importance of improved approaches and strategies for repairs modernization, and
the building of new schools
It has also made everyone aware of the costs
All of these reports have brought a new awareness of the problem They have been the catalyst
for a new dialogue and new relationships among organizations that have not worked together on
education issues One of these has been between the U S Department of Education and The
American Institute of Architects
Reinvigorating Our Schools is an example of the growing awareness of the need for, and the
issues involved in, school construction as well as the important role communities have in planning
I applaud efforts like Reinvigorating Our School, that are aimed at helping
school improvement
communities understand these complex issues and the strategies that may be employed to address
local school building design and construction needs
Guides like Reinvigorating Our Schools and a new Department publication entitled A Citizen's
Guide for Planning Schools as Centers. of Community are usefill resources for communities that
are engaged in planning for modernization of existing or designing new school buildings
I
I want to thank The American Institute of Architects for sharing its expertise with the Department
to assist in planning the National Symposium on School Design nchoolc as Centers of
Community
.CAL 91
Richard W Riley
3
600 INDEPENDENCE AVE S W WASHINGTON D C 20202-0100
Our mission is Is ensure equal accr. to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the Nation.
AVAILABLE FUNDING
such partnerships. It is definitely worth
Traditionally, schools
Where is the money?
are built and operated with local funds
exploring, though, with school-
supplemented, in most cases, with state
improvement resources so scarce.
revenue. Recently, there have been a
number of legislative initiatives in
In Washington, D.C., the 72-year-old
Congress to provide substantial federal
James F. Oyster Bilingual Elementary
support for upgrading schools.
School was in drastic need of repair.
The city had no way to fund renovation,
so a group of parents
An example is the Taxpayer Relief Act
including two
of 1997. The Qualified Zone Academy
mothers with expertise in real-estate
Bonds the act created may already be
development and school design, Mary
available for renovating schools in your
Filardo and Sarah Woodhead, AIA
By renovating an abandoned school rather
state.
found another way.
than constructing a new one, Boney
Architects saved Rutherford County, N.C.
The program provides $400 million in
A private developer will take possession
up to $5 million.
federal tax incentives per year for 1998
of the school's 1.7-acre site and build a
and 1999 to financial institutions that
luxury apartment building on one half
underwrite school programs. In lieu of
and an enlarged, up-to-date new school
Boney Architects worked with the school
interest, those institutions receive
district to renovate the abandoned high on the other.
federal tax credits. That translates to
school completely for $2 million. The
zero-interest bonds for school districts
architect's strategy allowed the county
Under the financing arrangement
taking advantage of this program. State
to use the unspent money from the new
worked out with the school board, city
allocations are based on population and
council, D.C. financial control board, and
high school to create a modern, computer-
poverty rates. Contact your state
networked middle school with no need
the developer will pay off
Congress
education agency to ask when and how
for additional school-construction
the $11 million school construction cost
the program is working in your state
appropriation.
over 30 years in lieu of property taxes on
and whether it can work for you.
the apartment complex. So the apartment
Public/private
building generates tax revenue that
If opportunity knocks ...
Additional legislation proposed in 1998
partnerships offer a source of funds
otherwise would not have been available,
has been aimed at freeing billions of
that can substantially reduce the need
which pays for a new school that otherwise
additional dollars for school-facility
for public debt financing. Not every
would not have been possible.
renewal. For up-to-date information
school has the opportunity to pursue
on federal legislation related to school
construction funds, call the AIA,
[phone].
If you've gone
Stretch your bond dollars.
through the long, laborious procedure
of getting voters to pass a general
obligation bond for schools in your
district, you know how precious every
dollar).,s. Use it wisely.
'Rural Rutherford County, N.C., for
example, passed a $24 million bond in
the early 1990s to replace its 75-year-
old high school. The new school was
completed for $22 million. The county
also needed an upgraded middle school
for 675 students, projected to cost $6
Taxes from apartments (background) on former school land will pay for this new school.
to $7 million to build new.
The designers were CHK Architects and SVERDRUP Facilities Inc.
REINVIGORATING OUR SCHOOLS
4
BEST
BLE
PY AVM
THERE ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE EAGER
HELP
You
TO
There are highly experienced architects
a quality architect" he wrote," is essential
and other professionals working in or
to a successful building project."
near your community who know what
Savings across the board from a well-
works and does not work in getting
designed building translate into real
funding, where to put critical activities
money to invest in faculty, supplies, and
to create the best possible learning
improved learning opportunities for
environments, studying life-cycle cost
students. The entire community
considerations for energy and
benefits from a school improvement
maintenance efficiency, purchasing
plan under the guidance of an
materials and systems, and getting
experienced architect. Other people
high-quality construction.
who can help you include:
A key person on your school-improvement
team who is professionally bound to
Your state school agency: There are
State school agency staff know how
trained, informed people at the state
serve in your best interest and has the
regulations apply to you.
capital who can answer your questions
education and experience to guide you
on the state school construction program
through the entire process is your
bond referendum and assembling a
and availability of funds, how you go
architect. Brad Colwell, assistant professor
about applying for them, qualification
planning, design, and construction team.
of educational administration at Southern
requirements, and applicable laws. They
Illinois University, emphasized the
or refer
can also explain the process
importance of this expertise and client
Community groups: One of the most
important tasks in improving school
you to someone else who can
duty in the March/April 1998 Illinois
on
petitioning and campaigning for a local
systems is engaging the community and
School Board Journal. "The selection of
earning the support of the people who,
in all likelihood, will be voting on
whether to pay the lion's share for the
improvements. Families with children
have to believe that the effort and expense
The experienced architect works closely with school representatives to determine the
needs and desired outcomes, plan the budget and schedule, design a school that matches
expectations and fits the context of the community and site, and monitors the progress of
construction. He or she may be able to help you move in and operate the facility and keep
The contractor is another important team
it in top condition.
member monitoring quality, cost, and
schedule.
REINVIGORATING OUR SCHOOLS
2
AN EXPERIENCED ARCHITECT ENHANCES VALUE
will improve the K-12 learning
environments. People without children in
K-12 schools will want to understand the
value to them of school improvements.
Your local elected and appointed officials:
The value cannot be overstated of
close communication among school-
improvement groups, the school board,
and the town or county council to get
the process started and keep it moving.
Well before construction begins, careful planning and design ensure that the value of
The input and experiences of these
every school dollar is measured in benefit to students and community.
individuals will save considerable time
and effort for a PTA or other group
The cost
Finding an Experienced Architect.
of predesign planning and site-specific
advocating school enhancements.
design represents significantly less than
Bankers: Knowing what kind of
one percent of the total cost
construction
of a building. Thus, a
information you will need to assemble
and life-cycle
and in what form is crucial for securing
design carefully suited to the specifics
of use, site, available infrastructure, and
financing at the best possible interest
climate will pay for itself many times
rates. Bank officers can advise you on
the school district's bond rating, the
over in energy savings and reduced
operation and maintenance costs. The
pay-back term of the bond issue, the
strength of the bond market, and the
flexibility and life-cycle cost savings of
fitting design to site and intended use is
availability of underwriters.
a compelling reason to hire an architect
rs and Managers Association
Sources: Bui /din
based on experience and ability.
Engineers: Engineers are the specialist
experts. They work closely with the
A good architectural design will save
Because architects provide a vital
architect and advise on elements such
enough in lowered energy and
as structural soundness, mechanical professional service, many states
maintenance costs over the typical 40-
require qualifications-based selection
equipment, electrical loads and supplies,
year school life cycle to pay for itself
connections to water and sewage, road
(QBS), which requires selection on the
many times over. Further, as this chart
building, heating and air conditioning,
basis of design-team experience. By
shows, a design will reap enormous
basing the selection on quality rather
and fire-suppression systems.
savings if it increases staffing
than who is the lowest bidder, public
efficiency. Maximizing passive
entities get more value as their schools
Developers: The best way to find out
observation of student activities, thus
which are likely to have a 40-year
if there is a possibility of a public/
requiring fewer security-related staff, is
private partnership is simply to ask
are conceived and created.
lifespan
an example, as is bringing in healthful
a few developers.
fresh air and daylight, reducing faculty
Architectural services go well beyond
absenteeism. Money saved in operating
producing the design documents. At the
Lawyers: You may wish to consult with
buildings means more resources for
outset of a school-improvement project,
one or more lawyers concerning deed
teaching children.
an architect on the planning team helps
searches, liability issues, advice on your
focus preliminary ideas on real-world
insurance and other contract negotiations,
issues. Architects also can serve the
help with bond referendums, and,
client by administering the construction
essentially, anything that involves the law.
contract (watching the construction and
payment schedules and making site
visits to see that what was planned is
what gets built).
REINVIGORATING OUR SCHOOLS
3
6
TIME AND MONEY
O P T I O N S
Y O U
C O U L D S A V E
T H A T
S O M E
Connected to
designed facilities over the life of the
In some instances, architects can help
Schools that enhance learning.
but far beyond the realm of construction
school, especially when you consider
you save time and money by using
and operating costs is the importance
prototype plans or a kit of parts. The
the low quality of the learning environment.
of schools that enhance learning. Every
strategies are similar.
facility-related dollar saved is a dollar
Another point to consider is that, as the
earned for teachers and teaching tools.
North Carolina experience has shown,
Prototypes are construction documents
prototype designs many times do not
School spaces designed to maximize
an architecture firm has created with
site adaptability in mind. Often one or
more schools based on the prototype
design have been built, which you can
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A kit of parts involves plans for a set
of modules (e.g., auditorium, cafeteria,
school rooms, storage areas, and labs)
Elerniry
that can be fit together as needed to
CZ:nrel Aeseribly direoct;s2heetairs, Board of Education to
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browse possible prototype schools. If they
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find a school that suits their needs, they
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school officials find a design they like,
contact the architect to help them turn
they can contact the architect of record
vision into reality.
who retains the copyright to the design
as well as the professional liability
associated with using the documents.
efficiency in circulation, access, and
offer the economy of scale for
This system realizes some savings in
multiuse allow more time and energy
renovations or additions that they do
time and money through economies of
for learning activities. Classrooms
for new construction. In Chicago, on
scale. And the architect is still involved,
designed for a particular school
the other hand, with its higher
providing the services you need.
district's computerization plan will
concentration and relatively consistent
allow precisely the wiring, lighting, and
building materials and methods,
What you want to avoid is the temptation
configuration of spaces that will work
prototypes have proven an efficient way
to use stock plans without professional
right the first day the school opens and
to renovate building systems such as
services or simply buying "temporary"
throughout the facility's life cycle as
roofs and windows (where the need for
classrooms. These quick-fix approaches
technology and needs change.
renovation is often the greatest).
seem to be cheap and efficient. The cost
is actually much higher than architect-
BEST COPY
AVAILABLE
REINVIGORATING OUR SCHOOLS
4
7
DISCUSSION GUIDE FOR PLANNING
SCHOOL
A
A
esteem, security, comfort, and prosocial
STRUCTURAL CONDITION
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
behavior.
Sixty percent of U.S. schools need
The success students have in school
extensive repair or replacement of at
Parental involvement is related to the
measured in terms of high test scores,
condition of school buildings and
least one major building system, such as
low truancy, employment rate, close
a roof or boiler.
student achievement.
parent-student-faculty interaction, or
whatever scale you may choose
is
Almost 14 million students were
How much instructional time is lost or
affected by many factors, including the
compelled to attend school in buildings
compromised as a result of building-
quality of instruction, instructional time
regarded as below standard or even
related problems?
and materials, parental involvement,
dangerous.
and how students feel about school.
Are students more likely to be absent
The very fact that you are talking about
Students in out-of-date schools scored
when they are compelled to attend
the educational welfare of your children
5.3 percent lower on standardized tests
schools in poor condition?
as parents, teachers,
and community
(after controlling study results for
is an indication that
and neighbors
socioeconomic status).
Are parents less likely to move into
your school system is on solid footing.
neighborhoods where schools are
The quality of facilities may be related
perceived to be outdated or
It is a daunting task to discuss how
to student attitudes toward school, self-
deteriorating?
learning is affected by physical factors
such as building age, ventilation, visual
factors, color of interior of facilities,
amount of space, design of space,
lighting, site size, building use, building
maintenance, special instructional
facilities, school size, site location,
security features, access for individuals
with disabilities, and aesthetic appeal.
To make the task more manageable, this
guide sets out six elements for discussion:
structural condition, environmental
quality, size and capacity, safety and
security, site location, and symbolic value
and aesthetics.
Facility performance goals are certainly
Carrick High School, Pittsburgh, (Hayes Large Architects): The Carrick High School in
important. Always keep in mind,
Pittsburgh faces problems familiar nationwide. Access and circulation need to be
though, that student achievement is the
brought up to Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. Windows need to be replaced
central concern.
and made energy-efficient. There are exposed pipes in the dimly lighted corridors.
Classrooms need to be rewired for computers. Space use is inefficient, and there is a
critical need for storage space.
The school has commissioned Hayes Large Architects to provide planning and design for
a $27 million addition/alteration that will add 38,000 square feet to the existing 192,000-
square-foot school to bring it up to a level that supports the rising standards of the
curriculum. The new design accommodates state-of-the-art laboratories, computer
laboratories, and classrooms. A fiber-optic main cable will support six computers per
classroom and 25 to 30 computers in specialized business and math classrooms.
The architect is specifying environmentally safe cleaning products and energy-
conserving building materials.
REINVIGORATING OUR SCHOOLS
5
DISCUSSION GUIDE FOR PLANNING
SCHOOL
A
A
SIZE AND CAPACITY
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Desks for individual students are being
The ideal high school size seems to
Consider air quality, thermal
replaced by work stations and furniture
range from 400 to 900 students.
factors, lighting, and noise level.
appropriate for cooperative learning
Students tend to learn less in smaller
schools and considerably less in larger
groups.
Most states report inadequate
schools.
HVAC systems and lighting
An array of spaces of various sizes may
as the key environmental problems
include central gathering places;
in schools. The primary thermal
To create a sense of "smallness," many
presentation arenas; work spaces for
problem is cooling, not heating.
large secondary schools have subdivided
groups of different sizes; quiet areas for
into "houses," each with its own student
one-to-one learning sessions;
Be alert for tightly sealed buildings,
body, faculty, and administrator.
independent-study nooks; and offices
use of allergy-promoting floor
where teachers can test and counsel
The typical high school contains about
coverings, and toxic emissions
150 square feet per student, the typical
individuals, organize individualized
from cleaning fluids, paint, and
study programs, or phone parents.
junior high about 130 square feet, and
other frequently used substances.
the typical elementary school about 110
Computers are reducing the need for
There is a relationship between the
square feet.
large libraries and increasing the
quantity and quality of light and
importance of networked access in
visual performance. The quality of
The relation between small class size
classrooms or satellite computer labs.
light is related to brightness, width
(fewer than 20 students) and higher
student achievement is strongest in first
of spectrum, and glare.
through third grades.
Especially in multiuse schools that
include community services, consider
Exposure to full-spectrum lighting,
offices for social services workers,
The traditional one-size-fits-all
such as daylight, has been associated
clinics, and community centers; open
with better school attendance, classroom is becoming obsolete. Special
school-based libraries and computer
areas may be appropriate for music,
greater concentration, more positive
labs for adults; day-care centers; parent
physical education, vocational
moods, and better scholastic
education facilities; and special
education, home economics, laboratory
performance.
reception areas. Such spaces encourage
sciences, foreign languages, and
parental involvement and volunteerism.
mathematics.
Effective teaching is partly a function
of acoustic design. Open-design
schools don't provide the acoustic
privacy necessary for student-teacher
communication and student
concentration on assignments.
Especially for schools built in the
late 1950s to mid-'60s, asbestos
may be present in insulation, ceiling
panels, floor coverings, lab surfaces,
and concrete. Abatement will be
necessary before renovation work
begins.
Computer work stations are taking the place of rows of desks, as in this
Rutherfold County, N.C., middle school ig Roney Architects.
REINVIGORATING OUR SCHOOLS
5
DISCUSSION GUIDE
FOR PLANNING
SCHOOL
A
A
Collins Middle School, Salem, Mass. (Earl R.
Flansburgh + Associates Inc.): Salem, Mass.,
consolidated its two middle schools into one
in a 150,000-square-foot former high school,
which was fully renovated and expanded
with a 90,000-square-foot addition. The
school serves 1,100 students as part of a
comprehensive $39 million program.
To reduce the impact of such a large scale,
the school is divided into three separate
components ("wharfs"), each accommodating
sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. Architect
Earl R. Flansburgh + Associates, Inc., gave
the school unity through the centralized
library/multimedia area (right). "The architect
41/0P._
really got the point that we wanted the media
curriculum to be central," said Coprincipal
Mary Manning. "Each wharf is tied together
A
II
with the two-story square midbuilding, with
full access to storage, magazines, everything."
REINVIGORATING OUR SCHOOLS
1 0