The Facilities Audit Workbook, a useful tool used by Suffolk University, is described. It explains how to periodically assess physical plant quality, establish maintenance priorities, and develop programs to overcome deterioration. It can also help pinpoint the kind of data needed for fund raising. (MLW)

The optometry program at the Inter American University in Puerto Rico is profiled, with highlights of admission criteria, temporary and permanent facilities, faculty, governance structure, curriculum, research opportunities, and relationship with the university as a whole. (MSE)

Discusses the facets of building design which affect the accessibility of libraries for the physically disabled and presents some basic guidelines for designing accessible libraries. Types of disabilities, questions relating to site design, and specific architectural and physical features of libraries (entranceways, lighting, stairways, and…

This discussion of the interrelationship of library buildings, library functions, and library management is illustrated by a description of problems encountered when the University of Guelph McLaughlin Library moved into a new building. Illustrative material is provided. (EJS)

The teaching of technology in the early years and, in particular, in the first and second year architectural design studios, is discussed. Technology implies performance, which may be measured in nonvisual ways, and implies the application of scientific principles to the building design process. (MLW)

For architecture students, a laboratory is seen as the most natural and productive way of learning about building construction. An introductory construction course at MIT is described that includes lectures, assigned readings, homework exercises, field trips to construction sites, and a weekly laboratory for hands-on experience. (MLW)

It is proposed that the various classes of a priori knowledge incorporated in heuristic reasoning processes exert a strong influence over architectural design activity. Some design problems require exercise of some provisional set of rules, inference, or plausible strategy which requires heuristic reasoning. A case study illustrates this concept.…

Fault Tree Analysis, a systems safety engineering technology used to analyze organizational systems, is described. Explains the use of logic gates to represent the relationship between failure events, qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, and effective use of Fault Tree Analysis. (CT)

Discusses modernizing, remodeling, or developing new home economic facilities. Equipment considerations, curriculum objectives, the making of a master plan, and planning reminders are provided along with a basic sketch to review prior to planning home economics laboratories. (Author)

High ceilings and the graceful columns supporting them are highlighted in the conversion of a hat factory into the Office of Financial Aid for New York University. Lighting and color coding of departments produce a pleasant atmosphere. (Author/MLF)

For over a quarter of a century architect Giancarlo de Carlo has been designing and carrying out a master plan to revitalize the historic city of Urbino (Italy) and the University of Urbino. A convent built in the 16th century was converted to a new law school. (MLF)

The Environmental Response Inventory (ERI) assesses dispositions toward everyday physical environments. The eight ERI scales were examined in a design involving ratings of public building interiors. Results support the ERI as a promising tool. Biographical items also correlate with ratings. (Author)

An innovative, compact design groups classrooms around the media center at the Remson Elementary School located 20 miles north of Utica, New York. (Author/MLF)

It is recommended that courses be provided for architectural students in postoccupancy building performance and user experience. A course in disaster mitigation is described. It was introduced to increase student awareness of the importance of design decisions in building safety. (MSE)

An overall project manager should be assigned by the physical plant to oversee minor remodeling and/or construction projects requested by other departments. (Author/MLF)