Presents a research study using three data-gathering methods--interview, behavioral diary, and behavioral map--to determine the effect of library design on student behavior. The values of normative data and the methods used are discussed, and it is concluded that physical design may influence behavior and satisfaction. (CWM)

Architects, group home administrators, people with mental retardation, family members of people with mental retardation, and college undergraduates substantially agreed in rating the homelikeness of 20 community residences for people with mental retardation. Clusters of physical features identified using an architectural inventory were found to be…

The School Building Authority (SBA) of West Virginia is responsible for evaluating the state's school buildings, selecting capital outlay projects, and helping fund renovation and new building projects. The SBA has strict guidelines and criteria to help the state's 55 counties evaluate the condition of their school buildings. (MLF)

Presents administrative areas/offices considered outstanding in a competition, which judged the most outstanding learning environments at educational institutions nationwide. Jurors spent two days reviewing projects, focusing on concepts and ideas that made them exceptional. For each citation, the article offers information on the firm, client,…

Presents K-12 and college common areas considered outstanding in a competition, which judged the most outstanding learning environments at educational institutions nationwide. Jurors spent two days reviewing projects, highlighting concepts and ideas that made them exceptional. For each citation, the article offers information on the firm, client,…

Achievement test score data of students in grades five and seven in a modern school building and in an older facility were compared. Allowing for socioeconomic differences, students in the modern building scored higher than students in the older building. (MLF)

College facilities management offers a wide variety of job opportunities and generally provides as lucrative benefits as are available to top college administrators and professors, usually without a need for advanced degrees. There are three primary career areas (engineering, architectural, business management) but a wide array of opportunities…

It is argued that the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act builds on the accessibility requirements and efforts of the last decade and therefore may be less overwhelming to comply with than colleges and universities think. Specific implications for public institutions, private institutions, and employment practices are outlined. (Author/MSE)

Presents a library automation vendor's perspective on networking based on activities at Ameritech Information Systems. Topics discussed include the information explosion; information technology; user expectations and needs; remote access; the library of the future; systems integration; ownership versus access; copyright laws; and the role of the…

Shows how libraries can save money and energy with energy-efficient technologies, improving maintenance, and encouraging staff efforts to conserve energy. Specific techniques such as life-cycle cost analysis and energy audits focusing on lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and water efficiency are described. Funding options and…

The article addresses the design of college student housing including whether to renovate existing dormitories or build new ones, possible floor plans, size of student residential groups, room size, methods of handling noise, the design of common spaces, provision of storage space, design of eating places, and overall planning. (DB))

A Native Canadian architect talks about his building projects, how they were influenced by his cultural traditions and the teachings and advice of the Elders, the spiritual nature of creativity, giving a building power by designing it as a living being, and linking tradition with the latest technological tools. (SV)

Examines general principles in designing child care centers and preschools: (1) design the site and building so that it has a friendly, child-like, inviting image; and (2) design child development environments to be child scaled, including furnishings, materials, the building, and the site as a whole. Contains criteria and suggestions for…

Research has shown that a school building's condition affects student achievement and behavior and that certain facility design elements can improve the learning climate. An ideal CDC (cost-design-climate) associative environment has a balanced interrelationship among the three elements. Unnecessarily emphasizing one or more elements may seriously…

For years, schools have overlooked the training needs of trades and industry, focusing on preparing more students for college. Qualified carpenters, roofers, electricians, masons, and plumbers are in short supply. Schools must consider trades training, partnering with technical and community colleges, local builders, and factory owners to reduce…