Articles

Figure 1: In a smaller building, the firefighter’s command center will still include myriad components that require physical coordination. Courtesy: IMEG

Modern fire alarm design: code triggers, survivability and emerging tech

This image illustrates the additional junction box depth required to accommodate the fire alarm notification appliance speaker cone, which won’t fit in a typical 2.125-inch deep junction box. Courtesy: McGuire Engineers

Fire and Life Safety

Alarm fatigue and life safety: improving fire notification

Fire, life safety considerations for office-to-residential conversion

Figure 1: This diagram illustrates centralized control for smart lighting and connected devices through a Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting system. The network controller and user interface manage luminaires and auxiliary devices through a PoE switch, enabling both power and data delivery over Ethernet cables. Courtesy: Smith Seckman Reid Inc.

Lighting and Lighting Controls

Exploring new innovations in wireless lighting control

Consulting-Specifying Engineer March/April 2026

Fire and Life Safety

Read the March/April 2026 issue

Figure 1: Developed in partnership with the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Education, the new Julius E. Sprauve PreK-12 campus is one of 20 educational facilities delivered across the territory. Courtesy: DLR Group

Educational Facilities

Design K-12 school buildings for adaptability and energy efficiency

Brewster Academy. Courtesy: Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates Inc.

Design K-12 schools with net zero energy in mind

North Quincy High School. Courtesy: Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates Inc.

HVAC/R and Mechanical

How to design K-12 school building HVAC systems

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Western High School Learning Commons. Courtesy: Peter Basso Associates Inc.

Fire and Life Safety

Designing K-12 schools for integrated fire, life safety and resilience

Los Angeles Unified School District Shenandoah Elementary School’s modular buildings were removed and replaced with a new two-story classroom building. The building is solar-ready with photovoltaic supports, integrated lighting systems connected to the building automation system, a large outdoor play area and high CHPS rating. Courtesy: Cannon Design

Electrical and Power

How to design resilient power systems for K-12 schools