This paper discusses the special problems of research in desiging for user groups with various functional limitations, such as the elderly, the mentally ill, and the economically deprived. (Author)

A new organizing principle of environmental design centering around people and their priorities is constructed in this book. Several analyses of differing approaches to behavioral and social research which have a bearing upon man's environment are offered. It is suggested that we apply interdisciplinary research, already in the state of the art,…

Discusses the importance of knowing the psychological environment of individuals in order to plan effective social change. (SB)

Attempts to define the fundamental dimensions of human activity and some of the social controls exercised over them in the built environment. Activity is treated as an abstraction of human behavior which can be usefully related to certain aspects of the environment. The explanatory power and use of activity studies are explored. (Author)

Discusses recent research on how light and color affect bodily functions. (Author)

Describes attributes of educational facilities that (1) influence occupants' performance (physical factors, task-related factors, user-friendliness, organizational qualities); (2) convey subtle messages (design statements, accessibility, spatial factors, aesthetics); and (3) influence programs and their delivery (technology, learning-style…

Applies learning theory and ergonomic principles to the design of effective learning environments for library instruction. Discusses features of electronic classroom ergonomics, including the ergonomics of physical space, environmental factors, and workstations; and includes classroom layouts. (Author/LRW)

The classroom environment is a working surround in which children, through participating in organized experiences, can grow and develop in an optimum manner. Classroom design requires organization of principles of environmental control in order to assure efficient and successful performance. This control cannot be left to chance. In considering…

Intended to assist educators and trainers who must make recommendations about facilities to architects and school authorities, this ERIC information analysis project summarizes research on the design of both classrooms and individualized learning spaces that will optimize learning. Six teaching/learning space topics are considered: (1) light and…

Use of computer keyboards requires repetitive movements that may cause "overuse injuries" among students. Education on computer literacy must include warning of these negative side effects and must instill safe operating habits among students. (10 references) (CJH)

The current emphasis on energy conservation in buildings must be balanced by a careful consideration of how proposed approaches affect building occupants. A headlong rush toward building designs that conserve energy at the expense of the quality of buildings as judged by occupants would be a very shortsighted approach. There must be a continual…

A COLLECTION OF SIX TECHNICAL PAPERS REPRESENTING AN ATTEMPT TO SUMMARIZE AND EVALUATE THE PRESENT STATE OF KNOWLEDGE CONCERNING THE VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS AFFECTING HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN GENERAL, AND LEARNING IN PARTICULAR. THE FIRST CONCERNS THE INTERACTIONS OF MAN AND HIS ENVIRONMENT. THE SECOND RELATES TO SPACE AS A COMPONENT OF…

Only recently is research into the total environmental requirements of the physically handicapped beginning to make substantial progress. Earlier literature in this field, which constitutes the majority of the literature presently available, concentrates on specifying basic building criteria but gives little or no attention to the nature of…

A bibliography on sources related to the structuring of the physical environment has been developed based on professional and classroom experience. This initial selection of journals, books, and unpublished papers gives an overview of man and the environmental conditions which are part of his daily living pattern. Information leading to design…

Recognizing that the need to exchange information has been one of the critical influences in urban design, the Twenty-First Colston Research Society (CRS) Conference explored a variety of topics in the area of communications, transportation, and the environment. These subjects were pursued from the British experience and most all the papers have…