Construction

What safety precautions must builders take for construction projects on a college campus?

Builders must put up warning signs/barriers around construction areas, ensure students and faculty wear hard hats if they walk near the sites, implement dust control, check that alarm systems still work with construction noise, and have campus security regularly monitor sites. Teams should follow proper safety protocols.

How can a school limit the disruption new building construction causes to students and faculty?

Schools could schedule the loudest construction activities during vacations/breaks, erect sound barriers around very noisy areas, have contractors work second/third shifts to avoid prime class times, phase projects to avoid too many simultaneous constructions and communicate timelines and access changes.

What sustainability features should builders incorporate when constructing new academic buildings?

Builders should consider energy-efficient HVAC systems, abundant natural light/windows, solar panels, green roofs, renewable building materials, smart water systems, optimised insulation, LEED certification standards, electric car charging stations, bike storage, and urban gardening spaces.

How can renovation teams obtain student input when redesigning outdated classrooms and labs?

• Teams could survey students,
• hold open forums for ideas,
• create student advisory groups,
• set up suggestion boxes,
• offer class credit for design ideas,
• run contests for layouts and furnishings,
• provide online updates and solicit feedback,
• have students help plan spaces they will use.

What options best minimise construction costs for new STEM facilities?

Using standardised/modular designs, limiting custom features, getting quotes from multiple vendors, using alternative building materials, phasing over time, securing government grants, partnering with tech sponsors, or having faculty oversee student workers can drive down costs.