Planning
The TFPG
assists in leading public, independent, and faith-based school
organizations through the process of developing their educational
buildings according to functional educational engineering
principles. We work with architectural firms throughout the
planning process or independently up through the development of a
concept design.
Essential
Activities
for Engineering & Planning a
Student-Friendly School
The
TFPG teaches stakeholders and owners scientific facts about
school functions necessary to achieve excellence in education and
high-performing schools.
An Example of Activity-Milestones to be Completed and Monitored by the "Design Team"
Pre Planning
- Complete area analysis
- Develop student population
forecast (for public schools)
- Conduct scientific program evaluation
- Conduct a scientific facility evaluation
- Define focused goals,
multidimensional values, and culture of the
school organization
- Develop specific goals and values
for concept design, with
emphasis on green
architecture
- Link goals and objectives to concept design and educational specifications
- Complete concept design
- Select a school site
- Finalize other necessary
activities to meet goals of engineering science. Read About the Strategic Planning
Phases >>>
Pre Construction
- Select an appropriate architect (if TFPG works independently
through Phase I)
- Translate the concept design and educational specifications, with emphasis on green architecture, into preliminary schematic design
- Define furniture needs
- Specify technology
- Complete all specifications
- Obtain professional cost estimates
- Select a program or construction manager
- Facilitate the bidding process
Final Design
- Review all designs and specifications
- Finalize technology requirements
- Order furniture
- Check all contracts for operational and legal issues
Construction
- Award contracts
- Begin construction
- Operationalize monitoring schedule
- Facilitate change order(s)
- Review legal issues
- Complete construction
Commissioning
- Facilitate building commissioning
- Complete equipment commissioning
- Finalize technology commissioning
Occupancy
b. Complete final walk through
Questions The TFPG Will Help Schools Answer:
Selected definitions of activities that TFPG uses in communicating with stakeholders:
- Needs Assessment > Are programs and facilities adequate or below the needs of the school population?
- Student Population Forecasting > What will the size and mix of the student population be within 10 to 20 years?
- Program Evaluation > What type of programs
will best serve the student population?
- Facilities Evaluation > What is the best way to proceed? Do we build a new school, renovate or remodel?
- Educational Engineering
> How does the application of engineering science enhance school
design?
- Goals for Design > How do we know that we are
developing an appropriate design for the school facility?
- Design > Can the design team determine which
concept design will best complement teaching style and student learning?
- Programming > How much detail should the
design team demand for educational specifications?
- Architect Selection > What architect is
best to ensure that the concept design is actually included in the
construction documents?
- Project Cost Estimates (Including Site Acquisition
and/or Site Preparation) > Is a professional cost
estimator necessary for this project?
- Technology Definition and Acquisition > What kind of technology should we implement?
- Assistance with Funding > Will the project
need extra assistance with funding?
- Bidding > What bidding procedures
will eliminate or minimize funding problems and save time?
- Contract Set Up > How much legal assistance will be needed in contracting and construction?
- Contractor Selection > How can the project
avoid pitfalls with contractors?
- Furniture Selection > When should the furniture selection process begin?
- Construction Monitoring > Will the project
need an independent construction monitor?
- Commissioning > Will a commissioning agent
be necessary?
- Occupation > What are the best procedures for transitioning to the occupation of the school facility?
- Orientation > Is orientation necessary?
- Final Walk-Through > When does the final walk-through occur and who is involved?
