In New York they say that the architecture of the new <i>Lycée français</i> (serving French students from kindergarten through upper secondary education) was inspired by the rationalism of Descartes. What is beyond doubt, however, is that the design and materials chosen by the American firm of...

This article is a report on the Time Workshop held at the international conference on “Innovative Alternatives in Learning Environments” in November 2000. The report, written by Prakash Nair, a U.S. expert on school facilities and technology, includes significant input from Hans F. Van...

What is involved in creating learning environments for the 21^st century? How can school facilities serve as tools for teaching and meet the needs of students in the future? What components are required to design effective schools, and how does architecture relate to the purposes of schooling?...

<i>Bruce Jilk is an architect and educational planner at KKE Architects in Minneapolis, Minnesota (United States). Jilk was chair at the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) November 2000 conference in Amsterdam (Netherlands), where he introduced the conference on “Innovative Alternatives in...</i>

The following article is based on a presentation by Sarah E. Thomas, a librarian at Cornell University in the United States. This abridged version begins by summarising how libraries thrive in an era of change. Next it explores storing print publications and how libraries are increasing space...

Science laboratories in schools are expensive to equip and maintain. Specific pedagogical needs, new technology and safety requirements contribute to the costs. In an effort to get the most efficient use of facilities, some countries are rethinking school labs with a move toward more flexible...

Experience in a number of OECD countries today continues to demonstrate how after-hours use of schools can improve student success through more study time, add value to the formal curriculum through extra-curricular activities, provide adults with opportunities for personal development or...

Une ancienne école, presque centenaire, est désormais peut-être la maison la plus ‘intelligente‘ du monde. Dans cette habitation en effet, les conditions ambiantes sont contrôlées par un système informatique qui ‘apprend’ les habitudes et les préférences quotidiennes des occupants.

L’organisation chargée en Grèce des bâtiments scolaires, l’OSK, met au point des projets bioclimatiques pilotes qui donnent des résultats positifs. L’action bioclimatique est l’un des grands axes prioritaires de la planification des infrastructures scolaires en Grèce depuis 2004....

Depuis 1997, plusieurs ministères japonais collaborent au programme d’écoles vertes, qui s’applique aux constructions neuves et rénovées ; l’objectif est que les établissements scolaires du pays soient plus respectueux de l’environnement.