Discusses records made of the London Weather Centre indicative of concentrated sunshine symmetrically about noon, which provides a probability of sunshine occurring on vertical surfaces to be greatest for south facing walls. Concludes that design recommendations should be based on available, rather than on theoretically possible, sunshine duration…

The concept of order-seeking is presented as characteristic of school management and related to adaptability as a strategy for design. The actual patterns of management in four schools are presented from survey data. A proposal for a measure of adaptability is made and illustrated in a hypothetical example. (Author)

The paper argues that existing computer programs for thermal predictions do not produce suitable information for architects, particularly at the early stages of design. It reviews the important building features that determine the thermal environment and the need for heating and cooling plant. Graphical design aids are proposed, with examples to…

Two beams forming part of the roof over the swimming pool at the school collapsed. The investigation showed that the cause of the failure was loss of strength due to conversion of high alumina cement concrete followed by sulphate attack leading to disruption of the concrete. The degree of conversion and loss of strength was greater than expected…

The authors highlight some of the findings of their forthcoming book, "Open Plan Schools: Teaching, Curriculum, and Design," which will evaluate open plan schools in England. These schools now comprise over 10 percent of all primary schools. (KC)

Formulas used in the calculation of cooling loads and indoor temperatures are employed to demonstrate the influence of various building parameters--such as thermal transmittance (U-value), solar absorptivity, and thermal storage--on the indoor thermal environment. The analysis leads to guidance on ways of limiting temperatures in naturally…