This book provides the essential information architects need to fast-start a school design process and shares what leading architects have learned about elementary and secondary school design. It provides critical information on the process, potential problems, design concerns, and recent trends in school design, along with complete coverage of energy issues and mechanical systems, structural concerns and acoustic control, lighting, internal traffic, and security. The book asks and answers 20 questions that frequently arise in the early phases of a project commission; and provides project photographs, diagrams, floor plans, sections, and details. (Contains 50 references.) (GR)