Instructional Building Design Over the last several years, institutions of higher education have been facing considerable challenges. This is because the total number of enrollments is increasing. While at the same time, they have to build new facilities to keep up with demand. Evidence of this can be seen with observations from study that was conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics which said, "Enrollment in degree-granting institutions increased by 37% between 2000 and 2010 from 15.3 million to 21.0 million. Much of it was in full-time enrollment; the number of full-time students rose 45%, while the number of part-time students rose 26%. During the same time period, the number of females rose 39%, whilst the number of males rose 35%. These increases can be affected both by population growth and by rising rates of enrollment. Between 2000 and 2010, the number of 18- to 24-year-olds increased from 27.3 million to 30.7 million, an increase of 12%, and the percentage of 18- to 24-year-olds enrolled in college rose from 35% in 2000 to 41% in 2010. In addition to enrollment in accredited 2-year colleges, 4-year colleges, and universities were 539,000 students who attended non-degree-granting, Title IV eligible and postsecondary institutions." This is showing how colleges and universities are facing increasing pressures from enrolling more students. ("Fast Facts," 2012) (Carpenter, 1997) (Newman, 2013)

For their facilities, this means that they will have to be utilized effectively. To determine how this can be achieved requires focusing on the way these institutions can receive the most out of their buildings and the how it can be designed to function for many years. This will be accomplished by: examining resources within the five components from Lombardozzi and major concerns such as safety / functionality / future improvements. Together, these different elements will offer specific insights. That is highlighting how to make the most use of facilities and take into account important variables in the design process. ("Fast Facts," 2012) (Carpenter, 1997) (Newman, 2013)

Design a learning environment facility to be used as a general instructional building for a university.

The building project will focus on using an existing building and adapting it to the handle more people / functions. This means that there must be an emphasis on a number of areas. The most notable include:

• Maximizing the built space on the new building through modest additions and extensions.

• Determining new uses to the existing facility in the form of refurbishment projects.

• Providing a high amount of usable area to gross built area.

• Providing space, fittings, furniture and tools that can be used for different activities.

• Creating features that allow different activities to be conducted at various times.

• Optimize the open work space areas.

• Create flexible research / office space, with appropriate open plan areas. This is supplemented by meeting rooms and various quiet spaces.

• Situate furniture to ensure comfortable and effective collaboration.

• Provide wireless data access to enable the best utilization of all common spaces. ("Promoting Space Efficiency in Building Design," 2010) (Carpenter, 1997) (Newman, 2013)

If these variables can be taken into consideration, the facility will be able to meet the current and future needs of the university. This will result in lower costs and more effective use of its resources. ("Promoting Space Efficiency in Building Design," 2010) (Carpenter, 1997) (Newman, 2013)

Resources within the five components from Lombardozzi

Lombardozzi believed that an educational environment is continually adapting and evolving. This is based upon the unique challenges everyone faces. To deal with them and more effectively utilize the learning space, requires focusing on five components. These include: resources / tools, relationships / networks, formal training / education, work-based programs / practices and in the job of action / reflection. (Lombardozzi, 2012) (Carpenter, 1997) (Newman, 2013)

Resources and tools are examining those study and reference materials that will needed. The most notable are: knowledge management systems, online databases, job aids, study resources, video casts /...

These areas are important, as they are examining what resources are required and how to effectively plan their utilization by various stakeholders. For the new facility, this ensures it can meet everyone's needs during this process. (Lombardozzi, 2012) (Carpenter, 1997) (Newman, 2013)
Relationship and networks is focusing on developing strong interpersonal bonds. This is accomplished by taking into consideration a number of variables. These include: expert directors, peer support systems, conferences / professional meetings, communities of practice, collaborative online resources and professional networks. This helps to ensure that the new facility is taking into account the needs of various stakeholders. In the future, this makes certain that their current and potential issues are addressed. (Lombardozzi, 2012) (Carpenter, 1997) (Newman, 2013)

Formal training and education will study the kinds of classes that will be taught in the building. To make the most use of the facility there must be a focus on: e-learning, webinars, classroom training, e-briefings, certificate / certification licensing programs, seminars and self-study programs. These areas will address all of the needs of the university by allowing a number of courses to be taught inside the new facility. (Lombardozzi, 2012) (Carpenter, 1997) (Newman, 2013)

Work-based programs and practices, are looking at different activities. This will determine who will utilize the building and for what purposes. During this process, there is a focus on a number of variables to include: action learning programs, internships / on-the-job training, communication activities, supervisor support and training / coaching. These areas will are illustrating other potential uses of the facility and the kinds of support that will be required. (Lombardozzi, 2012) (Carpenter, 1997) (Newman, 2013)

The job action and reflection is studying the various activities and how this will impact stakeholders. It is focusing a number of different aspects to include: collaboration, experimentation, hands on learning and self-monitoring / analysis of outcomes. This helps to see if the facility is addressing all of the needs of stakeholders and where improvements can be made. (Lombardozzi, 2012) (Carpenter, 1997) (Newman, 2013)

As a result, when designing any kind of learning environment, it is imperative to take these different variables into account. This will help to reduce cost overruns, effectively utilize space / facilities / resources and it enables the university to function more efficiently. When this happens, many of these ideas could be used in other projects to more effectively design and meet the school's current / future needs. (Lombardozzi, 2012) (Carpenter, 1997) (Newman, 2013)

Major concerns such as safety, functionality, and future improvements.

When designing any kind of building the issues of safety, functionality and future improvements are major issues that must be taken into consideration. For the university, this means addressing current needs and continuing to adjust with them. This will ensure that the school is utilizing its resources most effectively and at the lowest cost structure. (Carpenter, 1997) (Newman, 2013)

As far as safety is concerned, the building must be expanded to accommodate the larger numbers of people who will be utilizing it. This means that more emergency exits, fire / security alarms, surveillance cameras and metal detectors need to be installed. These areas will ensure that university is in compliance with all safety regulations and has added features. Moreover, a full time security detail will have the responsibility for safeguarding students, educators and visitors. They will have the responsibility of monitoring and reporting any kind of suspicious activities. If this kind of approach is utilized, it will be more effective in helping everyone to have an experience which is supportive of them and their educational goals. (Carpenter, 1997) (Newman, 2013)

The functionality of the building will have to be in compliance with various regulations by ensuring that everybody has access. This means expanding many of the doorways, restrooms and making the classes handicapped accessible. Any of the original designs for it, will be updated to reflect the larger number of students and their different needs. At the same…