Presents college residence halls/lounges considered outstanding in a competition, which judged the most outstanding learning environments at educational institutions nationwide. Jurors spent two days reviewing projects, highlighting unique concepts and ideas. For each citation, the article offers information on the firm, client, total area, total…

Explains that by using sustainable (green) building practices, schools and universities can make their lighting systems more efficient, noting that embracing green design principles can help schools attract students. Discusses lighting-control technologies (occupancy sensing technology, daylighting technology, and scheduling based technologies),…

Describes the urban playground redesign and the high school with flexible classroom space that were named Grand Prize Winners of the 2003 "Learning by Design" contest. Also describes the elementary school in an economically depressed area and the renovation of a 1912 high school chosen as Citation Winners. (EV)

Proposes structured workshops as the method to integrate green planning seamlessly into campus building planning. Explains that green rating systems, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), offer specific ways to gauge the environmental effectiveness of green measures. (EV)

Presents several strategies for successful green building on campus: develop a set of clear environmental performance goals (buildings as pedagogical tools, climate-neutral operations, maximized human performance), use Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) as a gauge of performance, and use the project to reform the campus building…

This article outlines the activities and recommendations of California's sustainable building task force, discusses sustainable building activities in California's higher education systems, and highlights key issues that California is grappling with in its implementation of sustainable building practices. (EV)

Describes an extensive $12.5-million renovation of Public School 157 in New York City, which was designed in 1907. Discusses issues faced in the historical preservation. Includes photographs. (EV)

A study surveyed 100 (66 responses) employers in the Arkansas home building industry to determine the emphasis they place on affective, cognitive, and psychomotor skills. Although employers value affective work behaviors, the Arkansas building trades competency profiles used for curriculum development emphasize the psychomotor domain. (JOW)

Adaptive aids which can help individuals with disabilities to get around more easily are described, including ramps, portable ramps, lifts, doors, and doorways. The use of professional assistance in selecting adaptive aids and use of the ABLEDATA database are noted. Appended is a list of companies which manufacture adaptive equipment. (JDD)

The buildings we erect, today as throughout history, reflect our priorities as people. As we invest in higher education institutions, we are affirming the university as a place where civilization will be preserved, learning will be highly prized, and the potential of every student will be served. (MSE)

Describes structure and use of asbestos; diseases associated with asbestos exposure; legislation and regulations concerning asbestos; training requirements of individuals involved in asbestos abatement; sampling and testing whether a material contains asbestos; and liabilities. (MLF)

Colleges and universities are opening up their campuses during the summer months and renting their campus facilities to outside groups. Colleges can generate extra revenue and bring added visibility to their campuses. However, small businesses have complained that colleges should pay taxes on their commercial activities. (MLW)

Given the breadth and complexity of the current school improvement movement, the upgrading of physical structures may be the only specific reform area demanding a straight-forward approach. The widespread physical disrepair and overcrowding characterizing today's innercity schools provide students with no viable alternative to urban squalor and…

In school design evaluation, the facility meets the following criteria: (1) is an integral part of the community; (2) creates a behavioral setting for learning; (3) fosters communication; (4) enhances the opportunity for teachers to function as professionals; (5) accommodates students' learning styles; and (6) is adaptable to the user's needs.…

Reviews African American cultural values that should be considered in designing urban and suburban Black communities. Discusses the following factors: (1) contact awareness; (2) a cyclical spatial orientation; (3) group orientation; (4) cooperation; (5) oneness with nature. (FMW)