Facilities Planning for Aviation Education

Abstract

The importance of properly designed physical facilities as an environment for the delivery of an aviation and education program cannot be over emphasized. While excellent teaching can and does take place in inadequate physical settings, the delivery process and related human experience both for teachers and students invariably suffers. At the same time, the decision making process involved in producing suitable facilities for any aviation related activity has become exceedingly complex. Growing sophistication of technology and state of the art of aviation systems, changing educational programs, complex administrative structures, and difficulties in' the economy and abili ty for institutions to fund building programs all serve to C01Dplicate any well intentioned building development goals. It is essential that a broad based comprehensive planning and design process be utilized if the product of any building development is to achieve requisite facility objectives. Short term, expedient approaches to replacement of inadequate facilities invariably result in an equally short lived solution to the problem. Even worse, they often complicate longer range development opportunities due to the absence of an overall masterplan, and usually create a poor architectural image. The planning process must incorporate a successful integration of client/users and plaMing/design professionals as well. Input and expertise from all parties involved must cxae together in a continuing interaction and dialogue. The key words in any facility development endeavor are comprehensive planning and professional interaction. Thia process has been applied to the long range facility needs of t he Institute of Aviation at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. A review of the methods and techniques utilized in this project can be beneficial in developing insights for application to other similar programs.