Amid increasing global and national interest in the built educational environment, this editorial considers developments within the Nordic countries that are investigated and discussed within the articles in this special issue. We discuss commonalities and divergences in the experiences of transition and change in the schools, located in a range…

Examines the storage conditions and the circumstances surrounding the film storage facility fire in Suitland, Maryland, which destroyed over 13 million feet of film. Outlines possible causes for the fire and offers recommendations for prevention of such future disasters. (JMF)

This paper explores problems involving expertise of design participants and the design process hampering the creation of high quality child care facilities that promote child development. Problems addressed include architects and designers needing more knowledge of child development and operation of child care centers, the inability of those who…

Begins with an overview of the basic principles of light and light sources currently utilized in building design. Case studies of several successfully lit library buildings are presented and specific recommendations for the various functional requirements of a library are provided. (15 references) (MES)

This annual report on library facilities and furnishings includes articles on: (1) designing libraries that are both handsome and functional; (2) functional use of color and light in library interior design; (3) creating user-friendly libraries; and (4) the seven deadly sins of architects. An eight-page section of photographs is included. (MES)

Three articles address issues that relate to libraries and the environment. Highlights include recycling projects; buying recycled paper products and other ecology-minded purchasing ideas; energy-efficient libraries; indoor pollution problems; a list of environmental information sources; designing library buildings; and activities that libraries…

Discusses the importance of a well-designed library building as an important factor in creating social benefits and positive political responses in the community. The creation and implementation of design criteria for the Cleveland Public Library and the public response are described. (CHC)

Discusses the need for cooperation between librarians and architects during the design of library facilities. The balance between the character of a building and its ability to adequately meet actual needs is discussed, and it is suggested that librarians should concern themselves with the smallest details of the design process. (CLB)

Suggests that child care program directors who are expanding their programs or opening new child care centers investigate the possibility of renting, leasing, or purchasing a modular building. Discusses the advantages of modular buildings over conventional building construction or rented space in an occupied building. Provides information about…

The author of this article is the Managing Director of School Works, a groundbreaking school design initiative working in collaboration with partners such as the Architecture Foundation, DfES, Demos, and schools. School Works is a not for profit company which works to link the design of secondary school buildings with their impact on the teaching,…

Discussion of Andrew Carnegie era in American public library history focuses on library buildings financed and built in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The building design which Carnegie developed, surviving Carnegie libraries in Philadelphia, procedures for obtaining a library, and comparison of architectural attractiveness of Carnegie libraries with…

The author describes an engineering and architecture course for junior high school students. It is a nonmathematical approach to understanding why buildings and bridges stand up and, basically, covers the same content as that of an architecture course he offers to Columbia University graduate students. (Author/KC)

The lessons learned about classroom design considerations from the experience of the University of California at Santa Cruz through its remediation of classroom flaws are discussed and illustrated. Topics addressed include acoustical and visual conditions, wall and ceiling angles, shapes, and materials, the floor, seating, and durability and…

The Louisiana Department of Education produces two curriculum guides for use in teaching Louisiana Studies at the eighth grade level. Very little information on Louisiana architecture is included. The Division of Historic Preservation proposed and obtained funds for a cooperative project between themselves and the Department of Education that…

Discusses the facets of building design which affect the accessibility of libraries for the physically disabled and presents some basic guidelines for designing accessible libraries. Types of disabilities, questions relating to site design, and specific architectural and physical features of libraries (entranceways, lighting, stairways, and…