Record levels of construction resulted in increased consumption of mineral raw materials in 1978, such as crushed stone, sand and gravel, and gypsum. The demand for and price of diamonds soared. (BB)

An experimental new surface material for schools, called "vitreous tile," is proving successful in lowering school maintenance costs by preventing destruction caused by vandalism, stains, and color fading. (Author)

This buyers guide provides information on needs assessment, buying options, and decision making tips when acquiring a new school athletic track. Among the topics covered are developing a budget, choosing a site selection, choosing a track surface, developing working specifications, and selecting a contractor. Also explored is the question of…

Boston University converts a run-down turn-of-the-century printing plant into an attractive administration building. (Author)

Reviews attack on fire safety in high rise buildings made by a group of experts representing the iron and steel industry at a recent conference. According to one expert, fire problems are people oriented, which calls for emphasis on fire prevention rather than reliance on fire suppression and for fire pretection to be built into a structure.…

Despite programs that stressed economy, architects for three schools near Wichita combined form and expression to make strong, but sympathetic, design statements. (Author)

Two campus structures -- a student-faculty center at the University of Massachusetts and a technological complex at New York University -- and a downtown high-rise office building in Cleveland all have precast panel walls, which play a major role in the mechanical and electrical distribution systems. (Author)

Handball and tennis courts are covered with a large slatted roof with slats open to the north to provide protection from the winter rain and summer sun as well as allow adequate ventilation and good illumination from the diffused north light. (Author/MF)

This article is Part III of a series on high school plastics programs. (Editor)

The Environmental Protection Agency's regulations on use of asbestos in school buildings are not based on an "acceptable level of risk," require action by the consumers rather than by the producers of the hazardous substance and do not extend to other public facilities that theoretically place citizens in similar danger. (Author/PGD)