There are many strategies to prevent school shootings and to keep children safe during the school day, and building design is a key issue.
Some states are mandating that school design have input from public safety officials. Since June 2017, district and charter school officials in Nevada have been required to consult with law enforcement or emergency management before constructing, expanding, or remodeling schools.
New schools tend to have shapes and layout that set boundaries for the students in each school without making it too difficult to move around the building. Security features don’t have to create a prison-like environment to be effective.
For instance, one renovation project of a 1970s brutalist, concrete school added plenty of natural light, while reducing entrance points for more effective monitoring of those entering and exiting. The project also integrated alarms and a public address system to reach all classrooms, offices, and hallways.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2017
California bill would require purchase of low-carbon construction products
Contractors would have to source products based on greenhouse gas impact, not price, on state projects.
Codes and Standards | Nov 13, 2017
New AIA contract document for facility support services released
Updated form intended to be used with owner-architect agreements.
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2017
NIBS, NBI issue guidance document to help communities achieve energy goals
Outcome-based codes compliance path looks at building’s actual performance.
Codes and Standards | Nov 7, 2017
Underwriters Laboratories launches wellness certification
First certification program that verifies products’ compliance with the WELL Building Standard.
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2017
Registration now open for Canada’s first Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) program
Standard is designed to be applicable across many types of new and existing buildings.
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2017
AIA releases new architect commissioning document
It will be used with the standard form for owner/consultant contracts.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2017
ASHRAE releases new version of Thermal Comfort Standard
Update includes calculations from direct solar radiation.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2017
Drone users can now get instant authorization from FAA
Skyward offers app to receive permission for low altitude flights.
Codes and Standards | Oct 31, 2017
Real estate giant launches global tenant health and wellness certification initiative
Tishman Speyer will use Fitwel health certification system to guide building improvements.
Codes and Standards | Oct 30, 2017
AIA revises architect scope documents in latest contract form release
Design-bid-build forms last updated in 2007.
