Shelter has been a concern of humans and animals alike for the millennia. Animals, through their natural instincts, build nests and shelters to meet their needs for protection against predators and seasonal changes in the weather. Early humans sought shelter in caves and cliff dwellings and later began to design and build shelters based on the…

This article presents an activity that gives students a practical understanding of how much energy the average home consumes and wastes, and shows how the construction technologies used in home design affect overall energy usage. In this activity, students will outline the cost of a home's electrical system, give a breakdown of how much power the…

First increment is a well-reasoned piece of urban design. (Author)

This article offers a practical approach to planning media centers: where to begin, whom to involve, and what factors deserve important consideration in view of today's interest in conservation measures. (Editor)

THIS REPORT IS PART 1 OF A FEASIBILITY STUDY TO SAMPLE APPROPRIATE ASPECTS OF THE SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FACTORS IN NEW YORK STATE. THE STUDY IS TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT PROCESS IS APPLICABLE TO SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION IN THE MID-HUDSON VALLEY. THE STUDY ALSO EXPLORES POSSIBLE MEANS BY WHICH SUCH SCHOOL BUILDINGS…

THIS STUDY IS PART 2 OF A PROGRESS REPORT ON A FEASIBILITY STUDY TO SAMPLE APPROPRIATE ASPECTS OF SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FACTORS IN NEW YORK STATE. THE STUDY IS TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT PROCESS IS APPLICABLE TO SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION IN THE MID-HUDSON VALLEY AND TO EXPLORE POSSIBLE MEANS OF ACHIEVING SUCH SCHOOL…

Criteria are presented for implementation in the design and construction of school buildings and facilities so as to obviate hazards to individuals with physical disabilities. Accommodations for the physically handicapped are considered for the following--(1) public walks, (2) parking lots, (3) ramps with gradients and handrails, (4) entrances,…

ASSUMING THAT ADEQUATE OFFICES FOR SERVING THE NEEDS OF FACULTY AND STAFF MEMBERS SHOULD BE PLANNED AND CONSTRUCTED AS INTEGRAL PARTS OF FACILITIES, RESEARCH WAS CONDUCTED AND RESULTS REPORTED ON THE DESIGN OF A TWO-PERSON FACULTY AND/OR STAFF OFFICE. A FULL SCALE, PROTOTYPE MODEL WAS DEVELOPED FOR THE TWO-PERSON OFFICE AND TESTED FOR ECONOMICAL…

Ventilation systems for factory safety demand careful planning. The increased heat loads and new processes of industry have introduced complex ventilation problems in--(1) ventilation supply, (2) duct work design, (3) space requirements, (4) hood face velocities, (5) discharge stacks, and (6) building eddies. This article describes and diagrams…

School districts sometimes need to add relatively small increments of high quality educational space to their existing physical facilities. For some of these situations, the portable or relocatable classroom is the answer; in other cases, the district needs different or more permanent space--quickly. This document comprises six charts that present…

THE PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT IS TO SERVE COLLEGE OFFICIALS, HOUSING ADMINISTRATORS, PLANNING GROUPS AND ARCHITECTS BY FOCUSING ON THE DECISION FACTORS WHICH RELATE TO HIGH-RISE AND LOW-RISE STUDENT HOUSING. DECISION FACTORS INCLUDE--(1) LAND USE IMPLICATIONS, (2) SITE REQUIREMENTS--BUILDING CODES, SUB-SOIL CONSIDERATIONS, NATURAL TERRAIN,…

BUILDING DESIGNS WHICH HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DIVISIBLE AUDITORIUM AND THEATER AND THE FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE FACILITY WERE REVIEWED. WHILE NOT A COMPREHENSIVE COLLECTION OF DIVISIBLE FACILITIES, THE INSTALLATIONS REPORTED ON ARE THOSE THAT APPEAR TO BE LANDMARKS IN THE EVOLUTION OF THE MULTI-USE…

Building designs which have been significant in the development of the divisible auditorium and theater and the fundamental concepts of the multi-purpose facility were reviewed. While not a comprehensive collection of divisible facilities, the installations reported on are those that appear to be landmarks in the evolution of the multi-use…

This guide provides guidelines for meeting the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act in college and university buildings. The publication is divided into 10 chapters, the first 7 of which present construction drawings, evaluation criteria, and specifications for: (1) site accessibility (external path of travel,…