The purpose of this web site is to raise consciousness among those who make the decisions and those who implement decisions about school new construction/alteration and/or modernization. The message we want to bring home is that decisions embracing Excellence, when made early enough in the process, have little or no cost impact and create legacy facilities to be proud of and can lower continuing costs. Furthermore, Excellence brought into the pre-design and design process at any point can result in a better facility for the same dollars. Ultimately the case can be made that Excellent educational facilities improve the chances for success of students, and the success of occupants is a real gauge of success in the built environment.
This web site is the work of the Division of the State Architect (DSA) Advisory Board (DSAAB) Excellence Committee. It is an attempt to express the principles of Excellence in design and construction in terms relevant to schools and their special needs.
Background
The California Department of General Services (DGS) and Real Estate Services Division (RESD) has established the Excellence in Public Buildings (EIPB) program, which is also featured on the DSA web site (see http://www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov/Excellence). This program sets architectural excellence standards for state and essential services buildings under its jurisdiction.
While DGS/RESD can mandate principles of Excellence in Architecture and construction for public buildings under its jurisdiction, the California public schools and Community Colleges portion of the DGS/DSA jurisdiction are not compelled to follow the recommendations of the Excellence program.
However, Excellence principles can bring long term and lasting value. This outreach program has been developed to make the case for Excellence in Pubic Educational Facilities.
We have attempted to tell the story of Excellence in a clear, understandable way. Once your attention has been drawn to Excellence, the various articles will lead you to more detailed information. |
