Senior Architect, Farnsworth Group, Inc.
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| Examples of natural lighting, acoustic panels and color selections. |
Anyone who has ever participated in a construction project knows there are always things they wished they would have done differently. They may find themselves reflecting: “If only I had done ... ,” or, “I wish I would have spent more effort considering …”
Budgets and / or time constraints might make this unavoidable, but it is vital to ensure these words aren’t uttered about crucial or large-ticket items. To have a successful school construction project, we suggest avoiding these “Tumultuous 10”:
Mistake #1 - Not carefully evaluating the proposed site.
Sites close to busy intersections, railroad crossings or areas with heavy air traffic can amplify noise issues and the complexities of transporting kids to and from school. Negating the impact of heavy traffic and outside noise sources is extremely advantageous.
Utilize the site to take advantage of inherent benefits, such as natural lighting, air movement or wind blocks, views and utility connections. A gently sloping site usually is best; one that is too flat or too hilly will struggle with drainage, and the expense for cut or fill will become a challenge.
If you are building an addition, ensure that ample room remains for future additions, on-site water detention, parking and athletic fields.
Mistake #2 - Not selecting the correct system for thermal comfort.
Choose an appropriate mechanical system for the desired end use. Initial cost, life-cycle cost, fuel source, staff operation and maintenance knowledge, system complexity, and method of air distribution affect the success of the system.
How many times have you heard people in the same building mention how hot or cold they are? Everyone’s perception is different, but comfort greatly influences occupant mood and performance. Mount thermostats at heights relative to the height of the primary occupants – the students – to create appropriate comfort levels in classrooms.
Mistake #3 - Not addressing acoustical performance.
Good acoustic conditions can greatly improve students’ verbal comprehension. If classrooms aren’t shielded from noises from adjacent spaces, they can be detrimental to the learning process. The mechanical system, lighting system and building layout are among factors that contribute to the building’s acoustics. Creating a balance with these systems is vital for acoustic comfort.
Mistake #4 - Not having the correct lighting.
There is a constant tradeoff between lighting levels, costs and the efficiency of the system. Efficiency standards and other building codes have made lighting solutions less flexible. However, lighting technology is advancing to meet the latest standards while providing desirable lighting designs.
One of the best solutions is to utilize natural light. This requires added provisions for glare and high light intensities, which can be managed with passive methods and appropriate techniques.
Mistake #5 - Utilizing materials that don’t last.
Let’s face it – kids are hard on buildings. Selecting durable materials will enhance the longevity of the building by minimizing maintenance and replacement costs. One example: Drywall may be suitable for particular areas, but it probably is not the best option for wear and tear in main corridors.
Mistake #6 - Not utilizing color advantageously.
While color selections may seem straight-forward, there are more factors involved than the color itself. Understanding the psychology of colors and how they affect different age groups is a critical first step, because colors have the ability to evoke emotional reactions such as calming, excitement or aggression.
Also, utilize evidence-based design resources. Emotions are hard to gauge, but emotional output is a different story. Colors’ relation to productivity, learning and healing are all measureable, and there is much evidence-based design to support these findings.
Mistake #7 - Failing to have a planned maintenance program.
One thing is certain for buildings: Things will break or fail. Having a maintenance program helps ensure the longevity of the building and its components. Something that is broken or has failed often affects a host of other items. One example: Wind damages a fascia, which leads to water infiltration into the wall, mold, and so on. If staff members are trained and know the steps to combat these problems, the return will be amplified.
Mistake #8 - Not having adequate classroom space.
A good rule of thumb is that a general classroom should be 800 to 1,000 square feet. This obviously varies with the function of the room. When a classroom is sized too small, overcrowding becomes common, the ability for flexibility is diminished, and scheduling can become more complex. Conversely, a room that is too large carries the issues associated with underutilization.
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| Solar panels: Green technology / teaching tool |
Eco-friendly measures often seem to be more expensive – and this often is true for first costs. However, the gap between green practices and standard practices is closing, and the payoff usually is realized during the life cycle. These points make sustainable technology more attractive. The fact is green technology must be friendly to the bottom line and be an appropriate solution.
Mistake #10 - Not using the building as a teaching tool.
Designing and constructing a building is a huge opportunity for you to involve students. When you do, they take pride in their school. You can involve them in designing items such as murals. Teachers also can plan lessons in conjunction with the design team to teach students about the entire process.
After construction, students have further opportunities to learn about their facility. Building system monitors can be installed in highly visible locations, and students can see firsthand how they utilize energy and the value of efficiency. By not totally concealing the building systems, students have a great opportunity to explore how buildings work, how the systems interact, and how they deliver necessary daily functions.
Final Thoughts
Planning, designing, constructing and maintaining a school building are an extremely complex set of tasks. Each item affects the success of the others. By avoiding some of these pitfalls, the problems associated with each task can be mitigated, greatly increasing the success of the project.
Want More Help?
Surrounding yourself with experts who can provide a coordinated effort to guide you through the process can help your project along the path to success. Contact your experts at Farnsworth Group at one of our office locations below for more information. We would be delighted to help you with your important projects.
Champaign: 217.352.7408 Peoria: 309.689.9888
Normal: 309.663.8436 Shorewood: 815.744.6940
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