Components & Materials

Find out more about what goes into your facilities...from building materials; structural, mechanical and electrical systems; modular construction; BIM and commissioning; project delivery methods and management; and more…

Resources

Featured

  • Acoustics

    Elevating Acoustic Design for Optimal Learning Environments

    Poor acoustics within classrooms create challenging environments for children, who possess heightened sensitivity compared to adults or older peers. These conditions, characterized by noise and reverberation, significantly impact their ability to engage in tasks that require listening comprehension, as well as non-auditory functions like short-term memory, reading, and writing. 07/30/2024

  • Innovative Approaches to HVAC

    Things are Looking Up for Energy Savings, Noise Reduction, and Better Student Performance

    Schools nationwide—especially those in historically cool climates now undergoing elevated heat events—face a challenging cycle when it comes to adapting to climate-change-driven temperature extremes during the school year. Often if heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems even exist, they are nearing end of life and operating less efficiently. Facing limited budgets, schools often opt for repairs over equipment replacement even though repairs can be costly and newer systems are designed for more efficient, sustainable operation offering long-term energy and cost savings. 06/04/2024

  • Indoor Air Quality

    Helping McMaster University Adapt its Buildings for the Future

    McMaster University is using technology to better control and manage its legacy thermal systems and create smarter buildings. Carmichael Engineering Ltd., a Canadian systems integrator, worked closely with ABB Canada’s leading experts and its highly adaptable smart building platform, ABB Cylon®, to improve energy efficiency, enhance user adaptability, and leverage innovative technologies in locations across campus. 02/22/2024

  • Predictions & Trends

    Spaces4Learning 2024 Predictions for Educational Facilities: Part 3

    We asked our readership to send us their predictions for 2024 trends in educational facilities. Across K–12 and higher-education campuses both, we asked for opinions on topics like technology, flexible learning spaces, campus safety & security, disaster response, and more. This article is the third in a three-part series compiling responses from educational professionals and vendors. 02/08/2024

  • Emerging Technology

    AMR Scrubbers Free Up Staff for More Human-Centered Duties

    Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) are the future; Isaac Asimov and the rest of classic sci-fi have been telling us this for decades. 07/10/2023

  • Building Blueprints

    Case Study: Modernizing a 1960s L.A. School with Biophilic Design

    The client was Grover Cleveland Charter High School, part of the Los Angeles Unified School District in Los Angeles, Calif. The challenge, modernizing a 1960s-era, single-story school to double its square footage to accommodate additional students and to follow biophilic design goals that would benefit students and foster collaboration and social interaction. 06/20/2023

  • HVAC
    ESSER Funds for HVAC

    How ESSER Funds Can Help with HVAC Upgrades

    The importance of HVAC units in schools was brought to the forefront when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in the early parts of 2020. The federal government also took notice as they issued approximately $190 billion in COVID relief funds through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). 05/15/2023

  • Indoor Air Quality in Schools Is Necessary

    It is a well-known fact that the environment affects human performance, both physically and mentally. This is especially true for students, who are impacted by the quality of air in their learning environment. 10/01/2021

  • HVAC & IAQ
    man cleaning ventilation screen

    Healthy Air Must Flow

    05/01/2021
  • IAQ
    ERVs recovery system

    Safeguard Schools Against COVID-19 Efficiently via Energy Recovery Ventilation

    05/01/2021
  • IAQ
    HVAC fans

    Mitigating the Risk of COVID-19 and Improving Indoor Air Quality in Schools

    05/01/2021
  • IAQ
    air purification

    Reimagining Air Purification in Classrooms After COVID-19

    05/01/2021
  • Podcast
    Schools In Focus: Talking Campus Security with Mitch McKinley

    Schools In Focus: Talking Campus Security with Mitch McKinley

    02/08/2021
  • Podcast
    Schools In Focus podcast logo and Mike Wolf and Ron Wendorski

    Schools In Focus: Indoor Air Quality

    01/15/2021
  • Interiors
    school hallway

    It's All In The Details: Walls, Ceilings and Floors

    12/01/2020
  • Sustainability
    Epoxy flooring at school in Texas.

    Sustainable Flooring Solutions for High-Traffic Educational Facilities

    Sustainable flooring is a smart choice for schools interested in providing a healthy learning environment and demonstrating their commitment to a better global environment. 11/02/2020

  • Cleaning
    Student washing hands with touchless faucet.

    How to Improve Infection Control and Handwashing in School Restrooms

    How do you create a hygienic and safe environment equipped to handle everyday usage and increased handwashing activity by students, faculty, administration and staff? And, how do you improve the restroom experience to make it more appealing to its users? 10/20/2020

  • Acoustics
    Office spaces at Scott Hall.

    Retrofitting University Buildings for Sound Masking

    When a physical space offers a little passive noise control, such as high cubicle walls, private offices or softer, sound-absorbing materials, the effects on the well-being of each person — as well as their productivity — can be profoundly impacted. 10/12/2020

  • HVAC
    Maintenance of a building

    4 Ways Schools Can Improve Indoor Air Quality to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission

    A building’s HVAC technology can help decrease the transmission rate or mitigate the risk of exposure. Thus, schools must consider their HVAC system as part of their overall COVID-19 mitigation strategy, in addition to social distancing, cleaning, screening, signage and operational practices. 09/28/2020

  • Acoustics
    Walker Grant Center. OddBox Studios; courtesy of Rockfon

    How the Right Acoustic Ceiling Can Improve a School's Performance

    If there is not enough sound absorption in spaces for learning, they are overly loud, reverberant and stressful; not an environment conducive for effective education. Up to one of every four words cannot be understood by students in many classrooms, according to guidelines by the Acoustical Society of America. 09/02/2020

  • Reopening Schools
    Examples of various signage for schools. Illustrations By Chelsea Lott, Graphic Designer (PBK)

    Signs of The Times: Utilizing Graphics to Safely Transition Back to School

    Overall, signage provides a cost-effective and direct solution to the question, “How does the coronavirus change our schools?” Signage plays a role in helping people feel comfortable in their environments and understanding what is expected of them in certain spaces. 07/08/2020

  • Classroom Components
    Elementary students in a classroom working at their desks.

    Comfort Is Critical for Student Success. Here Are 3 Simple Factors to Consider.

    Why address comfort in the design of a learning space? When students are physically comfortable, they’re more at ease: They can relax, block out negative thoughts and focus more effectively on instruction. 05/25/2020

  • Components & Materials
    Carrie Busey Elementary School library carpet tile. Credit: Scott Berman

    It’s All in the Details: Walls, Ceilings and Floors

    Walls, ceilings and floors, along with all interior and other building elements, must meet budgetary, acoustic, resilience, sustainability and maintenance requirements, with builders weighing such factors and others. Here are some ways that schools are making their interiors stand out. 05/05/2020

  • Interior Design
    Caption: Single leaf sliding doors support North Creek High School’s (NCHS) collaborative culture in Bothell, Washington. Credit: © Chris Eden / edenphotography.us

    Collaborative Design Through the Lens of Interior Sliding Doors

    In Bothell, Washington, Dykeman, Inc. worked with the Northshore School District to create a flexible, innovative learning center for 1,600 students centered on collaboration. They incorporated state-of-the-art interior single leaf sliding doors and hardware into eight "collaboration cubes" to pave the way for project-based and problem-based group learning, without compromising design. 03/25/2020

  • K-12 High-Traffic Areas
    school flooring

    Flooring and the Impact It Has On K-12 Learning Environments

    01/01/2020
  • Residence Halls
    timber building

    Constructing Community

    The largest mass timber building in America, Adohi Hall at the University of Arkansas, exemplifies a new generation of wood-framed and light-filled residence halls designed to foster connections. 01/01/2020

  • Adaptive Reuse for Education
    adaptive reuse

    Thinking Outside The Box: Adaptive Reuse For Education

    There are countless opportunities to create new and innovative learning environments within existing buildings. 11/01/2019

  • Guest Viewpoint

    Turnkey Renovation Solutions for A+ Aesthetics

    A few solutions to minimize renovation costs and support sustainablity goals. 11/01/2019

  • Facilities
    Roof vents at Kansas State University

    Raising the Roof at Kansas State

    A renovation that included the repair of storm damage to the roof of McCain Auditorium on the campus of Kansas State University was a coordinated effort that required the replacement of custom-fabricated smoke vents. 10/18/2019

  • Building Blueprints (Facilities in Focus)
    Field House

    The Flexible Field House

    10/01/2019
  • Facilities (Campus Spaces)
    building envelope

    From the Outside In

    Building envelope systems not only work to keep the inside in and the outside out, but can also contribute to a facility’s or institution’s sustainability goals while presenting an attractive, functional front. 10/01/2019

  • Facilities (Building Envelope)
    building exteriors

    3 Critical Elements of a Building Exterior

    10/01/2019
  • Facilities (Campus Spaces)
    snow

    Before the Snow Falls

    Autumn is the ideal time to prepare structures for winter from roof to foundation. Undertaking routine inspections in the fall can prevent costly repairs in the future. 09/01/2019

  • Facilities (Walls, Ceilings & Floors)
    noisy classroom

    The Noisy Classroom

    09/01/2019
  • Lighting
    classroom lighting

    Shining a Light on Success in the Classroom

    09/01/2019
  • Electrical Distribution: Designing the Campus Heartbeat

    Campus electrical distribution systems support all aspects of campus activity. Understanding the challenges for new and replacement installations is imperative for maintaining university operations and protecting capital investments. This article provides insight into identifying and addressing these challenges. 08/14/2019

  • Expert Perspective
     Immersive Learning Environments: An Untapped Resource for Differentiated Learning

    Immersive Learning Environments: An Untapped Resource for Differentiated Learning

    As education principles continue to evolve, immersive learning environments offer an emerging and meaningful education tool. 07/23/2019

  • 7 C Strategy for Cost-Effective Preventative Maintenance

    Preventative maintenance is crucial for identifying maintenance needs and determining the amount of deferred maintenance needed. It will also help facility managers plan and prioritize projects and evaluate their costs. 07/02/2019

  • Looking Forward
    trends at collegs and universities

    Trends In Education

    Life's one constant is change and College Planning & Management is here for it. From the expansion of big data to plant-forward dining options, schools are adapting with the times. Here's a look at what's happening now and into the future. Is your school ready for what's next? 07/01/2019

  • Facilities (Campus Spaces)
    structural integrity

    Preserving Structural Integrity

    It is important to include a structural perspective of your facilities when considering the impact of deferred maintenance. 07/01/2019

  • Facility Focus (Libraries / Learning Commons)
    Carnegie Mellon University

    Carnegie Mellon University: Sorrell's Engineering & Science Library Renovation

    07/01/2019
  • Facilities (Campus Spaces)
    science lab

    Science on Display

    Creative design can solve the conflict between having an open research lab with natural light and views where passersby can see and be excited about the research being done and safeguarding sensitive or proprietary information. 07/01/2019

  • Editor's Note (The View From Here)

    The Light Gets In

    07/01/2019
  • Trends

    View From the Industry

    Look inside for commentary from experts in the field who share their perspective on trends in education and the effect those changes will have on various learning environments. 07/01/2019

  • Facility Focus (Libraries / Learning Commons)
    Boston Univeristy School of Medicine

    Boston University School of Medicine: Alumni Medical Library

    07/01/2019
  • Facilities (Campus Spaces)
    Christopher Newport Hall at Christopher Newport University

    Connecting to Campus

    Thoughtfully designing the high-traffic areas that define your campus plays a crucial role in establishing your institution's identity. 06/01/2019

  • Facilities (Learning Spaces)
    maintenance cleaning floors

    Floors Need Special Care

    Nearly all flooring surfaces in a school facility can be considered 'high traffic areas.' 06/01/2019

  • Facilities (Learning Spaces)
    roof

    My Roof's Got a Hole In it...

    Each roof leak is an opportunity to fail. As always, planning for all possible alternatives in advance will pay dividends in the future. 04/01/2019

  • Facilities (Campus Spaces)
    lighting

    Lighting for Humans

    How the latest lighting technologies enhance student success, safety, and engagement. 04/01/2019

  • Facilities (Learning Spaces)
    learning environment

    New Wine in Old Bottles

    Imagine the opportunities that could be created in the learning environment if there were 50 or even a 100 points of light in each classroom that could be controlled individually or grouped in zones. 04/01/2019

Podcasts

  • Being Transparent About School Safety Design

    This episode's guest is Devin Bowman, General Manager of Technical Glass Products (TGP) and AD Systems. We’ll talk about the relationship between school architecture and designing for safety as design aspects like natural light and floor-to-ceiling windows become more common.

  • PCM and Energy Savings in Schools

    This episode’s guest is Michael Dunn, Technical Sales Manager for Energy Saving Ceilings & PCM at Armstrong World Industries. He’s here to talk about how Phase Change Material (PCM) can help provide energy savings in schools. You’ll learn why many K¬–12 schools are on the hunt for a new HVAC solution and the practical applications of PCM ceiling panels in regulating temperature without driving up energy costs. He’ll also share the results of the case study at a New Hampshire high school that demonstrated the technology’s effectiveness. This episode is sponsored by Armstrong World Industries.

Sponsored Content

  • Wenger Corporation

    In modern educational environments, the efficient organization of resources plays a pivotal role in enhancing the learning experience. Read More