A new campus for Philadelphia Community College will have the old U.S. Mint as its hub. Design criteria will make it totally barrier-free. (Author)

Movable floors for swimming pools allow deep water to be converted to any depth desired. The advantages of increased flexibility and multiple use are obvious for nonswimmers, children, and handicapped persons. (Author/MLF)

Describes the findings of a Canadian commission which inquired into the effects of declining enrollments on matters affecting school buildings, school curriculum, the teaching force, and the wider community. Also includes recommendations for action to the Minister of Education. (CT)

Some quantitative methods are illustrated that might be used to select design elements that are appropriate year-round and matched to the annual climate profile, and, in addition, to apportion architectural and mechanical strategies so that they complement one another. (Author/MLF)

Comments from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning three recommendations (in an article in a previous issue of this journal about inspecting schools for asbestos-containing materials) that are in direct conflict with those offered by EPA. (MLF)

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.…