Classroom environmental factors that promote or inhibit a climate facilitating learning are discussed, and general principles that may serve as a guide to developing effective classroom settings are presented. (MJB)

Discussion of problems and mistakes made in library facility planning highlights overemphasis of dramatic architectural elements; communications between architects and librarians; who is in charge of planning process; lighting (effect of library shelving, appropriate location of light switches); setting a schedule; furniture and equipment; and the…

This article describes the Media and Technology Charter High School (MATCH) in Boston, MA. MATCH had the highest overall pass rate of any comparable Boston high school: 89 percent of the class of 2005 passed both the English and math MCAS. That's not only 37 points higher than the Boston district average; it is 14 points better than the statewide…

Schools vary in the way they choose to deliver their art curriculum, and this affects their accommodation needs. This document provides guidance on accommodation for art and design in secondary schools, concentrating on the needs of 11- to 16-year-old pupils. (No specific advice on the specific needs of special education students is provided.)…

The Massachusetts General Hospital/Surgical and Special Services study, an information processing system for redesigning an outmoded existing hospital, structured information into small-scale elements that could be analyzed, reassembled into different solutions, and the solution selected that best accommodates all of the complex requirements. (MF)

Teachers and administrators who are faced with the prospect of a new educational approach, or a new or renovated facility, feel the need to observe a living educational environment offering creative learning approaches, as well as the "newest" in furniture and equipment. A Brooklyn open plan elementary school converted from an old synagogue…

Examines the benefits of the Z-shaped science lab classroom configuration as a means of learning enhancement. Each section of the classroom is illustrated and described. Also discusses construction and cost considerations. (GR)

Discusses design factors for using one-way video and audio, one-way video with two-way audio, and two-way video and audio in adult education. Considerations for audio quality, lighting, room arrangement, seating comfort, and decor are presented with illustrations. (SK)

Reviews the history of architectural developments in academic libraries. Highlights include natural lighting and the invention of the incandescent bulb; compact shelving; open versus closed stacks; modular construction methods; central air conditioning and controlled environments; interior arrangements; access to handicapped users and staff; and…

Provides reasons for using dome architecture in building educational facilities and describes the development of two such dome facilities in Arizona: a pre-kindergarten through Grade 8 multipurpose facility for Native-American students, and a school library and parent center. Highlights the facilities' interior-design features and some cost…

The domain of interiors constitutes a point of tension between practicing architects and interior designers. Design of interior spaces is a significant part of architectural profession. Yet, to what extent does architectural education keep pace with changing demands in rendering topics that are identified as pertinent to the design of interiors?…

This annotated bibliography includes summaries of 19 articles and reports dealing with noise control and acoustical design in school buildings. A brief introduction discusses the need for careful attention to acoustics in any school construction or remodeling project, with particular emphasis on the need for special acoustical measures in an open…

This compilation is a survey of the literature pertinent to the design of lighting for educational facilities. The contents are selected to be an overview of the topic while maintaining a technical level comprehensible to the layman concerned with school planning and design. The general subject areas are--(1) the visual and lighted environment as…

This booklet shows several schemes for the use of teaching spaces and quiet areas for the emotionally disturbed. There are designs for three levels of emotional disorder--severe, moderate, and mild. The schemes shown for teaching areas for severely disturbed children are fairly rigid in their design, with noisy and quiet areas being clearly…

This bulletin discusses the use of color in school buildings and describes those colors specifically designed for use in schools. Part I discusses the difficulty of using color in physical environments where many different and often conflicting needs must be met, encourages the systematic consideration of these needs, and suggests principles or…