Early childhood centers have become a common and necessary part of millions of Americans' lives. More women in the workforce, longer workweeks, and educational research supporting the importance of early education have all contributed to the rise of early childhood centers throughout the United States. Today, more than 30 percent of children under…

Public education is one of the central tasks of a democratic society, and the buildings that house this important task not only shape the way one teaches, but provide icons and symbols for the values people hold common as a society. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this context has placed school buildings squarely in a position of debate and innovation…

This discussion of issues to be considered in setting up an efficient computer classroom focuses on the selection, preparation, and furnishing of facilities intended for instructional use: selection and room preparation; power, lighting, and telecommunication; avoidance of equipment problems; and furniture selection. (11 references) (MBR)

A study carried out on primary school buildings in Roorkee, India, with a view to effecting economies in the cost of such buildings, is reported. Suggestions are made concerning substantial economies in overall space requirements, by increasing the use-efficiency of school space as a result of systematic operational research on the timetable and…

Author discusses the importance of proper acoustics to a learning environment. In addition, he gives pointers on various accoustical treatments. Basic to his suggestions is his belief that not only the construction of an area, but also its ultimate purpose must be considered in the planning. (Author)

Describes a plan for using construction concepts to provide for prefabricated service components, flexible use of floor space, and the designing of uniform floor and ceiling sections. (Author)

This self-instructional module includes learner objectives, text, practice exercises and answer sheets addressing developments in research on learning environments and why instructional technologists should take the lead in applying the resulting knowledge to the design of training areas. Favorable learning environments are described in general…

Discusses the importance of planning lighting in childcare centers. Ideas for organizing lighting in efficient and developmentally appropriate ways are offered. Suggestions are made for provisions that will ensure children's gradual transition from bright to dimly-lit rooms. Guidelines for assessing light quality in a facility and the degree to…

A comprehensive guide for home economists, the article treats five major ideas for planning home economics departments in schools, as follows--(1) the importance of sharing the planning responsibility among teacher, parent, and administrator, citing an example of successful planning, (2) the need for teaching methods, course content and equipment…

Research gathered by the Functional Efficiency Division of the National Building Research Institute, South Africa, is aimed at providing lighting conditions under which the school child can produce his maximum effort with the least strain and fatigue. These favorable conditions are outlined along with specific examples of their realization in…

Topics of economical designing and planning are examined in both general and specific terms. Diagrams and photographs illustrate general conditions and principles while the text outlines criteria and provides specific suggestion. Subjects covered include--(1) building design fundamentals, (2) cost comparisons, (3) efficient design, (4) basic plan…

Requirements for planning, designing, constructing and installing laboratory furniture are given in conjunction with establishing facility criteria for housing laboratory equipment. Furniture and equipment described include--(1) center tables, (2) reagent racks, (3) laboratory benches and their mechanical fixtures, (4) sink and work counters, (5)…

Sets forth a set of general educational facility specifications based on four sources of information: (1) initiatives of the Texas A & M Interface Task Force; (2) views of schools held by children; (3) educational trends; and (4) general educational facility planning principles. (six references) (MLF)

This publication was designed to provide assistance to California school personnel and architects in the design of new science facilities. Following the introduction, chapter 1 discusses the enhancement of science programs through architectural design. Chapter 2 describes architectural requirements and regulations for science-instruction…

An interdisciplinary design project report investigates the relationship of the fifth grade educational facility to the student and teacher needs in light of human and environmental factors. The classroom, activity and teaching spaces are analyzed with regard to the educational curriculum. Specifications and design criteria concerning equipment…