A former schoolhouse, more than 90 years old, is now what may be the world’s ‘smartest house’, a dwelling whose environment is controlled by a computer system that learns the occupant’s daily habits and preferences.

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...

In December 2005, the United Kingdom launched a process for evaluating the design quality of primary and secondary school buildings. The Design Quality Indicator (DQI) for Schools is a tool that can assist stakeholders – teachers, parents, school governors, students, community members, local...

Austria proudly claims to be the first country to make training firm work compulsory in secondary commercial schools and secondary colleges for business administration. In its other secondary schools offering vocational training and colleges, training firms may be chosen as an additional programme.

The Italian city of Cattolica has developed an urban complex, the <i>Piazza della Repubblica</i>, providing a wide range of services to the public. In renovated facilities, the complex provides a modern and rational architectural setting based on the idea of the traditional town square or "piazza", an...

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...

In November 2000, the City of Bologna, Italy, welcomed a conference entitled “Living as Students”. The event was part of the European Capital of Culture project which examined the major role Bologna has played and continues to play as a university city. It also looked at the role of cities...

The Innovative Pilot High School is part of the <i>Futuroscope</i> complex near Poitiers in the Department of Vienne, eastern France. Designed and financed by the Department, the <i>Futuroscope</i> is the only complex in Europe based on creating a synergy between the activities of leisure, work, technology,...

Portugal has created a questionnaire on educational facilities as part of a larger auditing programme by the General Inspection for Education to evaluate the country's schools. The main objective of the facilities evaluation is to determine how site, design and management contribute to the...

New Zealand’s special funding system allows state schools a greater level of independence in managing their property compared to most other countries. Schools receive a fixed budget as an entitlement from the three “pots” of the educational property funding structure. The government’s...