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)

Architectural energy analysis assesses the effects of architectural design decisions on the overall energy performance of buildings. Models and computers are utilized. (Author/MLF)

The new chemistry facility at the University of Akron, heralded as one of the safest chemistry buildings ever constructed, is described. Topics discussed include: preliminary planning, general building design, design of specific areas, and safety training for personnel. (BT)

A career education program for visually impaired elementary school children is presented. The rationale and brief descriptions of units in foods, construction, hand tools, entertainment projects, and other careers are included. (Author/PHR)

A state-by-state cost comparison has been added to AS&U's annual analysis and indicates that school budgets may be in deep trouble. (Author/MLF)

Describes 21 completed projects now using solar energy for heating, cooling, or electricity. Included are elementary schools in Atlanta and San Diego, a technical school in Detroit, and Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. (MLF)

Several colleges and universities participate in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star Buildings program, in which institutions commit to improving their buildings' energy efficiency and reducing energy costs. All participants must also be a Green Lights Program participant or agree to specific building-wide lighting upgrades. The…

When given the chance, children seek out and create private places in the midst of busy days. This article advises centers to design protected places where small groups or a single child can retreat to observe other children, either from above or horizontally. Suggestions for such "child caves" involve architecture, furniture arrangement, and…

Summarizes four recent concerns of the Austrian Institute for School and Sport Facilities, which is responsible for current issues and problems related to educational buildings in the country: schools as low energy buildings, electromagnetic fields and school buildings, chairs and tables for educational buildings, and school grounds (learnscapes).…

Increasingly, the hospitality industry is being brought in to manage college- and university-owned hotels and conference centers. Growing interest in executive education and availability of financing contributed to the building of such facilities, and competitiveness in the hospitality industry has contributed to its involvement on campuses.…

Green roofs, with their topsoil and plants, improve insulation, filter air, reduce water runoff, and provide habitat for urban wildlife. They are compatible with schools because they save energy; schools' flat roofs are conducive to greening; and green roofs can be outdoor classrooms for botany, ecology, and energy efficiency. Although scarce in…

This case study examines the proposed design of a new lecture/recital hall in Centennial Hall at Lynchburg College that will be used for lectures, public events, a film studies course, and musical recitals. It explores the audio-visual challenges presented by the differing acoustical requirements for the building. (EV)

Presents a college building judged to be an outstanding student center/service area in a competition, which evaluated outstanding learning environments at educational institutions nationwide. Jurors spent two days reviewing projects, highlighting unique concepts and ideas. Provides data on the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center,…

Presents high school and college vocational/industrial arts buildings 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…

In designing schools, planners must use the criteria of health and safety, performance, comfort, and aesthetics to create a humanized physical environment that stimulates interest and provides motivation for learning and teaching. The human factors in design are sense of place, ownership, community, presence comfort, security, aesthetics,…