HMFH Architects, Inc. Prototypes Prototypes: To Use Or Not To Use, That Is The Question

HMFH Architects, Inc.

Prototypes

Prototypes:

To Use Or Not To Use, That Is The Question


Prototypes

What is a Prototype?


Prototypes

Prototypes are also referred to as:

•Stock Plans

•Clone Plans

•Model School Design Plans


Prototypes

What is a Prototype? Prototype school plans are construction documents that have been used to construct more than 1 school with only minor modifications required for the second and subsequent schools.


Prototypes

HMFH Architects, Inc. Haverhill. MA


Prototypes


Prototypes

Not to be confused with…


Prototypes

A “Kit of Parts” school that uses prototypical component parts that can be shifted in relationship to one another depending on differing site constraints.


Prototypes

HMFH Architects, Inc.Lowell, MA


Prototypes


Prototypes

Other variations…


Prototypes

Systems ApproachUsed in Boston, California and Toronto In the ’60s. Standard criteria were established for structural systems, HVAC, partitions and ceiling systems.


Prototypes

Systems ApproachThe goal was to buy in bulk and use the most appropriate and efficient technology while avoiding the repetition of standardized plans.


Prototypes

Systems ApproachBOSTCO system included structural based on 5’ module. Ceiling was a 5’ coffered grid system incorporating lighting and supply diffusers. De-mountable partitions located on grid.


Prototypes

Systems ApproachPublic bid laws limited the expected savings from standardized specifications. The high level of flexibility was not utilized to the extent anticipated.


Prototypes

Other variations…

The Clearing House


Prototypes

From designshare.comHackberry Elementary School, Frisco Texas


Prototypes

A Clearinghouse of DesignsCalifornia: planupload.dgs.ca.gov/caschoolshome.asp

North Carolina: schoolclearinghouse.com

Pennsylvania: sdcpublic.ed.stage.pa.us/PublishScreens/wfSDCHome.aspx

Florida: SMART Schools Design Directory


Prototypes

Why Prototypes?


Prototypes

•Accommodate high rates of growth

•Assure consistent, high quality product

•Assure equity

•Promote operational efficiency

•Save money, Save time!


Prototypes

On its face, the potential of reducing engineering and design costs by developing a series of standard building plans… seems so intuitive that it is difficult for lay people to understand why we have not considered this solution before.

Arkansas Public Relations Committee, 2004


Prototypes

Boston Globe 2/3/03

Massachusetts Attorney General says that use of prototypes will lower design costs, reduce occurrence of poorly designed schools, lead to quicker reviews and ensure new schools meet state standards and technology requirements saving tens of millions of dollars.


Prototypes

Can the dream be achieved?


Prototypes

Reviewed 7 prior State Departments of Education Studies:

Washington 1960

California 1970

California 1972

Georgia 1991

Oregon 2000

Virginia 2002

Arkansas 2004


Prototypes

It is evident that the interest of the school building program in the State of Washington can best be served by the continued encouragement of original design and the use of new and varied materials. Such an approach has served well in the past and proves again the American tradition of competitive and free enterprise.Washington Bd. Of Education, 1960


Prototypes

Because of the huge building program in California the Legislature has studied various possible economics in construction. The idea of stock plans has been explored and the preponderance of of available facts and opinions has prompted us to reject stock plans as neither sound nor economical.Gibson& Eatough, 1970


Prototypes

…the feasibility of using this approach as a means of reducing costs or shortening the time required for design and construction of new schools does not appear to be practical nor economical over a period of time. Therefore, it is recommended that the proposal to develop and use standard plans …be rejected.Georgia Department of Education,1991


Prototypes

…the preponderance of evidence would indicate there would not be any overall savings realized.Virginia Department of Education, 2002


Prototypes

States Concerns:A large number designs for varying grade configurations

Plans become obsolete without constant updating

Eliminates competitive bidding of materials and systems

Large staff required to update and modify plans and specs

Orientation and site benefits may not be optimized

Eliminates local participation and input

Loss of individuality, identity and potential for creativity

Does not readily accommodate programmatic differences


Prototypes

…prototype designs make sense within a local system when building multiple buildings of the same type in a short time frame.

Governor's Education Reform Study Commission, Georgia 2002


Prototypes

Success Stories:

New York City

Kit of Parts

Over 20 completedMitchell Giurgola, AIA


Prototypes

Success Stories:

Philadelphia

Little School House

Kit of Parts

12 constructed Vitetta Architects


Prototypes

Success Stories:

Clark County, Nevada68 schools constructed 1998 - 2003

“Use of prototype schools saves approximately 1 year in overall schedule and results in a cost savings of 5-10%.”Dale Scheideman, Director of New Schools and Facility Planning, 2003

“Prototype school design process allows refinement of the design from lessons learned which has resulted in fewer change orders. Change orders are less than 1/2 %.”Rory D. Lorenzo, Acting Director, 2006


Prototypes

Success Stories:

Orange County, Florida51 elementary schools constructed 1998 – 2007

2 prototypes

Large internal staff constantly upgrading and being improved for greater program flexibility, for durability, and to improve maintenance. No comparison data on costs versus traditional, unique design approach.Steve J. Gertel RA, Director, New and Replaceable Schools


Prototypes

Success Stories:

Loundon County, VirginiaFrom 1992 – 2011 population

growth from 20,000 to 67,000

3-5 new schools per year

Fees reduced from 1/3 to ½

Change Orders less than 1%

Constant review to identify areas for improvement

Operating efficiencies realized through consistent specifications


Prototypes

Success Stories:

Haverhill, Massachusetts4 schools opened within 5 years

Costs of adapting prototypical plans to difficult sites significantly outweighed cost savings from reduced design fees. However equity, a crucial goal, was achieved. The assumption of saving money in design services was critical in building voter

support. (T. Fowler Finn, Superintendent of Schools,Haverhill, MA)


Prototypes

Summary:Prototype school design programs are most beneficial when a large number of schools are built within a short time frame within a given district.

No successful State-wide programs using prototype plans

25 States have used prototype plans and all 25 have abandoned their use. American Institute of Architects Issue Brief on Stock Plans, 2005

4 States have implemented design clearinghouses. No research on their success yet.


Prototypes

Summary:There is very little hard cost data comparing designing prototype with designing site specific schools.

However, we do know that to optimize the use of prototypes:

Large, unencumbered sites are beneficial.

Strong, stable central control is important.

A minimal number of grade level configurations is critical.

Local or educational modifications must be minimized.


Prototypes

Summary:Prototypes are not a “quick fix”

Careful long term planning and ongoing administration are required.

Modifications due to site and environmental concerns, educational concerns, and product and code changes can negate potential cost savings.

Community control, participation and resulting community pride can be reduced or eliminated.

Institutional appearance can result.

Opportunity for creativity and exploration minimized.


Prototypes

Emerging Trends in School DesignDesign Schools to support a variety of learning styles

Enhance learning by integrating technology

Foster a small school culture

Support neighborhood schools

Create schools as centers of community

Engage the public in the planning process

Make healthy comfortable and flexible learning spaces

Consider non-traditional options for school facilities and classrooms. AAF National Summit on School Design, 2005


Prototypes

Emerging Trends in School DesignWe have moved beyond the one size fits all approach to school design to an age of greater innovation and flexibility tailored to meet the needs of individual students, schools and communities. Ron Bogel President of American Architectural Foundation,

Report on the National Summit of School Design, 2005


Prototypes

An Alternative: Medford, MA


Prototypes

HMFH Architects, Inc.Medford, MA


Prototypes

Is There A Prototype In Your Future?

Documents

HMFH Architects, Inc. Prototypes Prototypes: To Use Or Not To Use, That Is The Question