Major challenges for recreation facility planning in an age of increasing costs are reviewed with emphasis on the need to combine imagination and technology to produce environmentally-sensitive, energy-efficient, aesthetically pleasing recreation designs. Major planning considerations are: operational efficiency, greater facility use,…

Two architects review housing needs of the handicapped elderly and give some specific design considerations for safety and mobility. (MF)

The handbook presents an overview on environmental adaptations for the visually handicapped. (CL)

Suggests building models as a way to reinforce and enhance related subjects such as architectural drafting, structural carpentry, etc., and discusses time, materials, scales, tools or equipment needed, how to achieve realistic special effects, and the types of projects that can be built (model of complete building, a panoramic model, and model…

The influence of school building age on the academic achievement of pupils in the fourth, eight, and eleventh grades is examined while controlling the variance due to selected socioeconomic factors. (Author/MLF)

After a long battle against the construction of a Harvard Medical School hospital complex, the Roxbury Tenants of Harvard formed a limited partnership to construct 774 units of re-location and mixed-income housing in conjunction with the new medical facilities. (Author)

The idea of setting aside part of the cost of public buildings for "decoration" took form in the 1930s. Discusses the current policy of commissioning decorative works as a way of building an artistic heritage for the future. (Author/RK)

A statistical report on all public library building projects completed in the United States during the year ending June 30, 1977. (Author)

Describes Dade County (Florida) schools' answer to crowded classrooms and burgeoning primary enrollments: satellite learning centers built and maintained by local companies as employee childcare benefits. Each center is attached to a nearby "host" school that disburses funds, keeps student records, and supplies support services. (MLH)

Discusses issues addressed by OCLC in the construction of its new headquarters. Original design criteria and a retrospective appraisal of solutions are presented in the following areas: (1) structural requirements; (2) environmental considerations; (3) utilities; (4) fire protection; (5) security; and (6) workspace design. Essential design issues…

Reviews four environmental design and environmental psychology concepts and summarizes their implications for library building planning: (1) privacy; (2) proxemics and personal space; (3) territoriality; and (4) ergonomics and human factors. (34 references) (MES)

A number of studies show that school building noise interferes with the efficiency of students and teachers, lessens attention, and makes concentration on tasks more difficult. Effective noise control measures should be taken at all phases of school building design and construction. (MLF)

The Building Energy Data Group at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, California, compiles measured energy data on retrofitted buildings and new buildings designed to be energy-efficient. Currently in the database are data from 89 elementary schools, 31 secondary schools, and 14 colleges. (MLF)

Computers, though they can help educational institutions manage their facilities efficiently, are no substitute for good judgment. Before computerizing, institutions should systematize their records and evaluate their information needs; they should take care not to acquire unnecessary systems or become over-reliant on computers. (MCG)

With a new round of school construction on the horizon, planners must consider such energy conservation measures as placing energy consumption limitations in design specifications, retaining experienced engineers, using staff expertise, considering boilers offering fuel options, seeking outside assistance, resisting use of existing plans, and…