Primary & Secondary Schools have an array of design issues that need to be considered for their built environment, often including recreational and sports facilities, laboratories, libraries, and offices. RWDI assists designers with such diverse issues as exhaust gas dispersion, wind and snow effects on people and buildings, ventilation, and noise / acoustics issues.

Pedestrian Comfort

The design of large educational buildings can influence local wind activity, thereby impacting safety and comfort of outdoor activity areas. Wind breaks, screens, landscaping and minor modifications to buildings can improve wind conditions.

Cladding/Structural Loads

Roofs and walls of major buildings require accurate information for the design of structural and curtain-wall systems.

Exhaust Gas Dispersion

Exhaust from sources including laboratory fume hoods, diesel generators, cooling towers, incinerators, boilers, and cafeterias may be entrained into fresh air intakes. This exhaust can result in both health and odor impacts.

Ventilation

Indoor air quality is affected by both the amount of ventilation and (equally important), the distribution of ventilation air. Correct aerodynamic design can promote proper distribution.

Fume Hood Performance

The effectiveness of fume hoods, the acceptability of fume hoods being purchased, and the development of prototype fume hoods can enhance safety. The effect of room conditions on fume hood performance is also an important safety issue.

Snow Accumulation

The design of educational buildings can influence snow accumulation thereby impacting: safety; expense of maintenance; and the quality of the environment around the campus.

Noise and Acoustics

Sound levels from HVAC equipment may be high, causing annoyance to staff and/or neighbors. Buildings close to transportation or industrial noise sources may suffer from high sound levels. Interior partitions may not provide adequate privacy. Conference rooms, auditoriums, cafeterias, etc. may have poor acoustical conditions.  Significant issues are related to hearing impaired students, ESL and speech intelligibility design of the classroom.