This paper examines how middle school students developed understanding of transformational geometry through design activities in Escher's World, a computationally rich design experiment explicitly modeled on an architectural design studio. Escher's World was based on the theory of pedagogical praxis (Shaffer, 2004a), which suggests that preserving…

To demonstrate the impact facilities can have on learning, some exemplary elementary schools that made the decision to provide a good educational environment are presented. To assess the impact of these facilities, students, teachers, parents, superintendents, and other administrators were interviewed. The book opens with a discussion of whether…

Creating a barrier-free environment requires modification of buildings, realignment of attitudes, raising of funds, and planning for new programs. By designing a barrier-free environment that is esthetically pleasing, the attitudes of both handicapped and nonhandicapped will be positively affected. (Author/JAC)

Discusses how a facilities study will allow school districts to meet current demands, as well as plan for future needs. Describes strategies for evaluating how educational programs fit into a building's existing space and offers tips for inventorying the facilities themselves. Lists items to include in a facilities study. (RJM)

There are three building-design factors vital to young children: protection, interaction, and scale. School and classroom scale (fixtures, cabinets, doorknobs, furniture) should be suited to young children. Sample designs from Scarsdale, New York, and Kansas City, Missouri, are presented. (MLH)

Reports on the redesign of Pima Community College's (PCC) West Campus library/student center. States that the college made the redesign a participatory process, developing a master plan through a series of intensive multiple-day workshops that included faculty members, staff, students, and community members. Concludes that consistent participation…

THE DESIGN OF THE HEATHCOTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WAS INVESTIGATED IN TERMS OF THE SCHOOL'S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM, ARCHITECTURAL INNOVATIONS IN DESIGN, AND SPECIAL FEATURES OF INTEREST. THE PLANNERS OF HEATHCOTE WERE COMMITTED TO TWO FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF EDUCATION--ONE DEALING WITH THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH CHILDREN LEARN BEST, THE OTHER DEALING…

Author discusses the importance of proper acoustics to a learning environment. In addition, he gives pointers on various accoustical treatments. Basic to his suggestions is his belief that not only the construction of an area, but also its ultimate purpose must be considered in the planning. (Author)

Describes attributes of educational facilities that (1) influence occupants' performance (physical factors, task-related factors, user-friendliness, organizational qualities); (2) convey subtle messages (design statements, accessibility, spatial factors, aesthetics); and (3) influence programs and their delivery (technology, learning-style…

The architectural design of Mounds Park All-Nations Magnet School (St. Paul, Minnesota) incorporates cultural symbols representing the Native American worldview and Medicine Wheel Circle beliefs, as well as design elements from aboriginal housing styles, and colors and sculptured elements that reinforce the relationship of nature to building. (SV)

An Ohio State University project studying quality educational environments brought together experts from several fields from various countries to discuss issues and tour facilities in Europe and the United States. In addition, a survey of university staff, students, and faculty found that there is a strong relationship between school environment…

This self-instructional module includes learner objectives, text, practice exercises and answer sheets addressing developments in research on learning environments and why instructional technologists should take the lead in applying the resulting knowledge to the design of training areas. Favorable learning environments are described in general…