How Large Should a School Be?

Charlotte
Middle School
Program
Floor Plan

How Large Should a School Be?
Researching the relationship between circulation space
and program space. By Randall Fielding

The information in this article comes from research Fanning/Howey Associates conducted to study programming circulation factors in K-12 facilities. Based on its research, the company recommends that 32 percent of the gross area in a K-12 facility be set aside for circulation (corridors, stairs, and lobby) and structural elements (columns and walls). Mechanical rooms, janitor’s closets, electrical closets, and storage rooms are not included in that 32 percent and should be figured into program spaces.
Following is my interview with Michael Hall, AIA, Fanning/Howey’s director and chief marketing officer, about the research. Detailed programs and floor plans from three of the company’s schools are provided as illustrations (see links at left).

Randy Fielding: Your first recommendation calls for an average of around 70 percent of the net to gross area be dedicated to programmed space. However, you note that the NYC School Construction Authority considers 65 percent to be sufficient. In reviewing projects by other firms, I have noted net areas ranging from 62 percent to 77 percent, adjusted for the same factors you recommend. Why is there such a variation?

Michael Hall: There are many factors to explain the differences. For example, some districts use rooftop HVAC equipment that reduce mechanical space requirements. Some buildings are planned with narrow corridors—which, in our opinion, is a mistake—while others allow windowless interior classrooms, another feature we consider a mistake. Different materials also effect space; using metal studs and drywall reduces wall area but, in turn, can increase maintenance costs.

RF: Why would NYC be less efficient? With a shortage of available land, one might expect them to make more efficient use for space.

MH: Due to the shortage of land, buildings are multistory—sometimes four or five stories. This arrangement requires more stair towers and, due to increased heights, lower level walls may be thicker to support upper floors (in load-bearing situations). Also, mechanical systems require duct shafts for vertical distribution, as do plumbing stacks and elevator shafts, decreasing useable square footage.

RF: If NYC schools represent an extreme ratio in terms of programmed space to circulation space, can you provide an example that illustrates a more common ratio of programmed to circulation space?

MH: Yes, I’ve included space programs for three schools in Michigan that illustrate more representative net to gross programming factors: Cheyenne Elementary, Charlotte Middle School, and Northville High School (see links above left).

RF: Given the rapid changes in curriculum and school design, isn’t there a danger in establishing the size of future schools based on research from facilities built during the last 10 years?

MH: As always, this type of research deals with past designs and carries with it an inherent danger when dictating future directions, particularly since the subject matter is changing as we speak. Our research is for comparative purposes only and we do not attempt to dictate an approach should conditions change dramatically. Our data is good for a given set of circumstances—minimal interior, windowless rooms, use of internal HVAC systems, adequate corridor space, and two-story maximum facility design. Circumstances outside these criteria should be evaluated individually and recommendations modified accordingly.

RF: Based on your thoughts on trends for future schools, how do you think program and circulation factors will change in the next 25 or 50 years?

MH: The development of new materials—particularly wall systems—with higher strengths and better acoustical properties, should reduce the percentage of area to be enclosed. However, this reduction may be offset by increases in corridor and lobby space, which tend to “relax” the internal environment, thereby reducing tension and hostility. I don’t think fire codes will ever allow reduction of exiting hallway widths.

This article appears in the November/December, 2000 issue of School Construction News in a slightly different version.

Michael Hall is Director/Chief Marketing Officer of Fanning/Howey Associates, Inc. He can be reached at: mhall@fhai.com

Randall Fielding is the editor of Design Share. He can be reached at: fielding@designshare.com.