Physical Plant and Facilities Development Program

Ramil L. GallardoResource Speaker

Topics

• Definition of Physical Plan

• Basic Principles on Physical Plan and Facilities

• Components on Physical Plan and Facilities

Physical Plant and Facilities

In education, physical Plant (also known asphysical facilities) comprises lands, buildings,furniture, and other physical infrastructures,equipment and complement institutional andprogram effectiveness. It includes physicalfacilities in teaching spaces and ancillary rooms.

Basic Principles on Physical Plant and Facilities

• 1. The primary function of educationalfacilities is to provide the proper schoolenvironment that is most conducive toeffective teaching and learning.

• 2. Functional and effective educationalfacilities are developed, operated andmanaged on the basis of a comprehensiveplan of action of the school, prepared by allstakeholders in education in the community.

Basic Principles on Physical Plant and Facilities

• 3. It shall include sound educational facility planningand design process principles to:

a) maximize collaboration in school planning design,

b) build a proactive facility management program,and

c) plan schools as neighborhood-scaledcommunitylearning centers .

Basic Principles on Physical Plant and Facilities

• 1. The primary function of educationalfacilities is to provide the proper schoolenvironment that is most conducive toeffective teaching and learning.

• 2. Functional and effective educationalfacilities are developed, operated andmanaged on the basis of a comprehensiveplan of action of the school, prepared by allstakeholders in education in the community.

Physical Plant and Facilities

• The quality and adequacy of the physical plantand facilities of a learning institutiondetermine to a large measure the successfulimplementation of its curricular programs.

• Several studies have shown that a closerelationship exists between the physicalenvironment and the academic performanceof students.

Physical Plant and Facilities

Location

It should be located in a wholesome environment, safefrom traffic and transportation hazards, sufficiently freefrom noise, dust, smoke, and other undesirable elements.It also should be provided with adequate facilities fordrainage and sewage disposal. It should be adequate tomeet the needs of the present school population and itsfuture expansion. The school should be accessible topresent and anticipated school population by means ofpublic transportation or school bus. It should havesatisfactory road network and sidewalks.

Physical Plant and Facilities

Campus

It should be so planned that it would adequate for theintellectual, social, physical and cultural interests of theInstitution. It should be kept in good condition andphysical appearance.

Physical Plant and Facilities

Buildings

The buildings should be functionally designed and constructed ofstrong and durable materials to withstand earthquakes, typhoons, andfire. Their design should be pleasing to the eye and in conformity withthe surroundings, and at the same time, imbued with properatmosphere conducive to learning.

They should be satisfactorily planned so as to meet the futureexpansion needs. There should be wellplanned entrance and exitpoints to insure safe and convenient mobility of the school population.

Stairways and fire exits should be adequate and standard in size andnumber and conveniently located. There should be no obstruction incorridors that would impede the free flow of movement.

Physical Plant and Facilities

Classrooms

The size and number of classrooms should be sufficient toaccommodate the student population.

Classrooms should be adequately equipped with therequired furniture, blackboards, and should have apleasant atmosphere. Lighting, ventilation, generalappearance, and acoustics should be satisfactory.

Physical Plant and Facilities

Offices, Staff and Function Rooms

Adequate provisions should be made for administrativeoffices, faculty rooms, and reception areas,

where needed.

Physical Plant and Facilities

Medical and Dental Clinic

A medical and dental clinic should be properly set up,strategically, well-ventilated and lighted, screened andprovided with clean water supply. It should be providedwith basic equipment, medical supplies , beds, cabinetsand linens.

Physical Plant and Facilities

Student Center

A student Center is available where students can makewholesome interaction and listen to good music, playtable games, watch TV programs, etc.

Physical Plant and Facilities

Food Services Unit or Canteen

Clean and sanitary food services unit/canteen must beset-up and managed effectively. It should serve balancedyet affordable meals and snacks to the school community.

Further Readings and References

English, F. W. (2006). School Plant Management. California: SAGE Publications, Inc.

Physical Plan and Facilities. (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2015, from USeP: http://www.usep.edu.ph/Apps/UAC/images/downloadable%20files/SSIR/Area%208%20Self-Survey%20Instrument.pdf