The May/June 2009 issue of "Facilities Manager" introduced APPA readers to the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG)--today's most comprehensive Internet-based depository of resources contributing to a systems approach for everything of a building nature. The emphasis in that article was on Operations and Maintenance (O&M) issues and procedures. In…

Doors serve a variety of needs and purposes in schools: (1) Exterior doors provide building security and protection from the elements; and (2) Interior doors control the movement of people among school spaces, help control noise and air flow, and act as flame and smoke barriers during a fire. In a lockdown, they serve as safety barriers. From a…

Early childhood centers have become a common and necessary part of millions of Americans' lives. More women in the workforce, longer workweeks, and educational research supporting the importance of early education have all contributed to the rise of early childhood centers throughout the United States. Today, more than 30 percent of children under…

Public education is one of the central tasks of a democratic society, and the buildings that house this important task not only shape the way one teaches, but provide icons and symbols for the values people hold common as a society. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this context has placed school buildings squarely in a position of debate and innovation…

THE PURPOSE OF THIS ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY ON ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTICS WAS--(1) TO COMPILE A CLASSIFIED BIBLIOGRAPHY, INCLUDING MOST OF THOSE PUBLICATIONS ON ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTICS, PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH, FRENCH, AND GERMAN WHICH CAN SUPPLY A USEFUL AND UP-TO-DATE SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THOSE ENCOUNTERING ANY ARCHITECTURAL-ACOUSTIC DESIGN…

A library building program is a reference handbook for the architects to use throughout their planning. It should contain--(1) table of contents, (2) index, (3) summary lists of space requirements, and (4) other useful summaries. The purpose of the program is to define the library building for the architect as interacting separate units of the…

Research was reviewed and conducted regarding the accessibility of buildings for physically disabled persons. Data was produced regarding anthropometrics (eye level and reach limits for ambulant, semiambulant, and wheelchair bound persons); wheelchair maneuvers; speed and distance (maximum travel distances for people with limitations of stamina);…

The report describes research and recommendations regarding architectural and environmental accessibility for visually handicapped persons. A three phase study was conducted in which visually handicapped persons helped identify mobility problems and evaluate tactile floor signals to identify areas of imminent danger (staircases, dropoffs, and…

Criteria are presented for implementation in the design and construction of school buildings and facilities so as to obviate hazards to individuals with physical disabilities. Accommodations for the physically handicapped are considered for the following--(1) public walks, (2) parking lots, (3) ramps with gradients and handrails, (4) entrances,…

The handbook focuses on the accessibility of facilities to handicapped individuals. General information on accessibility requirements mandated by law is provided. Information on state and local legislation on architectural barriers gives suggestions for where to write to find out what laws apply where. Definitions of terms such as accessible,…

ASSUMING THAT ADEQUATE OFFICES FOR SERVING THE NEEDS OF FACULTY AND STAFF MEMBERS SHOULD BE PLANNED AND CONSTRUCTED AS INTEGRAL PARTS OF FACILITIES, RESEARCH WAS CONDUCTED AND RESULTS REPORTED ON THE DESIGN OF A TWO-PERSON FACULTY AND/OR STAFF OFFICE. A FULL SCALE, PROTOTYPE MODEL WAS DEVELOPED FOR THE TWO-PERSON OFFICE AND TESTED FOR ECONOMICAL…

In the introduction or expansion of art facilities in individual schools, there is a general movement away from the single, multipurpose art room concept. More consideration is being given to the variety of functions that the area must accommodate, adequate working space, separate storage areas, and more display facilities. This booklet contains…

Air structures have developed through a number of significant stages: military applications, conventional standard air structures (the "bubbles"), exhibition structures, and permanent building applications. With no other type of structure is it possible to obtain clear, widespan coverage of almost unlimited areas, additional ceiling clearance for…

Major challenges for recreation facility planning in an age of increasing costs are reviewed with emphasis on the need to combine imagination and technology to produce environmentally-sensitive, energy-efficient, aesthetically pleasing recreation designs. Major planning considerations are: operational efficiency, greater facility use,…

With a new round of school construction on the horizon, planners must consider such energy conservation measures as placing energy consumption limitations in design specifications, retaining experienced engineers, using staff expertise, considering boilers offering fuel options, seeking outside assistance, resisting use of existing plans, and…