School Construction and Normalization. RAS Project: Research in Educational Facilities. A Report.

This document reports the development of a system of mass-produced standardized components for school construction. The project was originated and implemented to solve a problem connected with the heavy demand for schools that confronted the Montreal Catholic School Board. The report outlines the problem -- a need for schools -- and gives details of the systematic study and research related to user needs that resulted in viable solutions to the problem on the part of 55 industrial firms that formed 11 integrated component construction systems. The means to be employed in solving the problem are detailed both verbally and graphically, showing the derivation of the performance specifications for the five subsystem components to be utilized: (1) structure, (2) heating-ventilating-cooling, (3) ceiling-lighting; (4) partition; and (5) electric-electronic services. An analysis of the solutions submitted indicated that the project goals had been achieved: (1) Reductions in the cost of school construction and in school erecting time; and (2) construction of schools capable of constantly corresponding to the development of education. (Author)