Students at Qinghua University in China participate in real project design tasks. Thesis design in conjunction with real projects helps students to understand step-by-step the whole process of design work and the role of a qualified architect. A housing design course is included in the curriculum. (MLW)

A first year building project of students of Yale School of Architecture is discussed. The program provides an opportunity for students to focus on a real client's aspirations and needs, as they are learning design skills. Client interaction is seen as a crucial aspect of architectural practice. (MLW)

A recent survey of 2,000 school superintendents concerning the role, the job, and the status of the superintendent of buildings and grounds in their districts generates uncertainty about whether the status and salary are equal to the responsibility of the position. (Author/MLF)

The Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering at the University of Minnesota is constructing a building that will be 95 percent underground. (Author/MLF)

Argues against closing schools and presents a list of uses for the excess space caused by declining enrollments. The uses include offering space to the community, creating teacher training centers, creating senior citizen centers, and offering space to private enterprises that would participate in on-the-job training programs for students. (IRT)

Explores the changes in the administration and enforcement of building regulations that will be engendered by the proposed federal energy building standards. Also evaluates the effectiveness of those standards in meeting congressional intent. Available from U.C. Davis Law Review, School of Law, Martin Luther King Jr. Hall, University of…

A microcomputer, when interfaced with appropriate sensing and control devices, can be used as an energy management processor to manage a building's environmental system. (Author)

Examines the status of postoccupancy evaluation, which is the study of the effectiveness of designed environments for their human users. Issues addressed include generality, breadth of focus, applicability, sponsorship, methodology, and future directions. (WB)

Reports findings of a two-part study on the influence of dormitory architecture on patterns of social relations among college undergraduates. The first part investigates how dormitory architecture affects patterns of freshman acquaintance, while the second part studies changes in these relationships over the college years. (Author/WB)

The conversion of a deteriorating shopping center to a 2,000-student K-12 school unit in Dallas (Texas) met the spirit and letter of a federal court order. (Author/MLF)

Dramatic savings are possible by implementing minor modifications including: energy efficient light bulbs and tubes, ballasts, luminaires (fixtures), controls, operating practices, and revised maintenance. Many different changes can be made without affecting productivity, safety and security, visual comfort, aesthetic appeal, consumer discretion,…

There is a need for specially trained cost estimators in the construction trades. This article describes why the need exists, the cost estimator's role, qualities an estimator must have, and ways to train a cost estimator--two- and four-year curricula and a continuing education program. (CT)

A checklist to use in preparing an energy conservation master plan. (MLF)

Reducing educational services, including community education activities, does not appear to be an effective method of reducing energy consumption. (Author)

The first logical step in school energy conservation is a review of annual operation and maintenance procedures to identify cost-saving opportunities. (Author/MLF)