In 2006, we launched the [R]MIT Research Centre (Modification, Intervention Transformation) at the Faculty of Architecture at Delft University of Technology. [R]MIT was founded to respond to the need for an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to the transformation of the built environment. [R]MIT aims to bring momentum to the renewal of…

Examines the effects of dormitory room flexibility on use. Results from questionnaires administered to male and female occupants of flexible and nonflexible rooms and from observations of visitations to rooms support the idea that a flexible setting allows a greater range of interpersonal activities. Implications for dormitory design are…

The previously recognized right-left asymmetry in aesthetic balance was applied to preferences in architectural design. Preferences for right-and left-oriented apartments in apartment floor plan layouts were noted in sophomore psychology students. Data examined from preferences of 67 right-handed and 5 left-handed students revealed that…

Examined preferences for physical design characteristics of group living facilities of 229 congregate apartment residents, 205 older community residents, and 44 experts. Found that older groups of subjects had similar physical design preferences, whereas experts preferred more physical features than did older adults. (Author/NB)

Special architectural additions to campuses can enable handicapped persons to attend college as normal individuals. (HS)

An overview of literature on research dealing with adult learning and the physical environment discusses three elements of the research: (1) the reductionistic approaches; (2) the notable exceptions; and (3) the functional environment. Conclusions are made regarding the future direction of research involving adult learning and the physical…

The physical environment can measurably affect behavior and psychological well-being. This is critical in the case of older persons who are more environmentally vulnerable than the young due to limited financial resources and decreased mobility. A group of 91 olderly residents in multi-story private and public housing participated in this study.…

The purpose of this project was to research and develop two design guides on environments important to child development: child care facilities and outdoor play areas, and to specify new, research-based criteria for the planning and design of these facilities for military bases around the world. The current paper is a synopsis of parts of this…

The environment in a college dormitory was used to determine factors affecting perceptions of size and crowdedness. Factors that were tested were usable space, visual space, and amount of sunlight. Results confirmed that physical factors other than actual room size do influence perceived size and crowdedness. Implications for architectural design…

Architects and designers need to discover ways to work with management-users in determining the design and character of a working office. (Author/MLF)

A study of what people valued in an old school in Virginia and what they wanted in a new one can be summarized as a facility that encourages interaction among people. Specific planning recommendations include using the home as model for designing schools, creating areas for congregating, and designing the school to be the center of the community.…

Tornadoes and extreme winds cause heavy loss of life and property damage throughout the United States. Most buildings offer significant protection from this danger, and building administrators should know the areas where this protection is available. This booklet presents a review of three schools, all of which were struck by tornadoes on April 3,…

Following recent tornadoes, terms of specially trained architectural and engineering faculty conducted onsite examinations and research of building damage. It was concluded that tornado damage to buildings is predictable. A trained architect or engineer can establish, before a tornado strikes, those portions of the building that will offer the…

The author integrates disparate bodies of literature and draws implications for the psychology of instruction and physical environment design. (VW)

Delineates the field of the sociology of architecture and provides a typology for the study of the relationships between people and the designed environment. (WB)