A renovation incorporated Innovative Learning Environments' design principles. The exploratory study used a Basic Mixed Method, Convergent Parallel Research Design. Behavioral observations and photographic tracing, two surveys (pre- and post-intervention), interviews, and instrument testing. Overall findings: (a) students and educators are excited…

The aim of an urban space design is creating successful open spaces that can provide a high level of pleasure and contribute to urban life by meeting human needs and expectations. Successful open spaces are closely related to existence of seating furniture discussed in multiple dimensions and designed in order to provide affordances for various…

Students spend hours a day in classrooms, so it is critical to their learning to have places to sit that are healthful and comfortable. Schools and universities should outfit their classrooms and other learning spaces with furniture that enables students to carry out their school work comfortably and does not detract from their ability to focus…

The movement of people in a library is inevitably noisy and also creates a visual distraction for the reader. If the provision of quiet areas where readers can work undisturbed is an important criterion of library design, the traffic patterns generated in a library by the disposition of the various facilities - stacks, periodicals, reference…

This bibliography and paper provide a brief overview of empirical studies that attempt to apply the insights of modern psychology to architecture. Items are discussed under headings of scientific research, methodology, perceptual studies, the use of space, interpersonal distance, personality development, learning, decision-related research, and…

This paper reviews the literature primarily outside of educational circles on three topics--ergonomics, anthropometry, and proxemics--that affect the learning environment. It also discusses some implications in the hope that research and dialogue can be stimulated. (JOW)

Highlights three ways a college or university can organize its technology areas to maximize comfort and save space. Examples are provided on controlling equipment sprawl through thoughtful workstation development, designing computer rooms for flexibility and effective cable management, and emulating business setups that are work-flow efficient and…

Summarizes results of a behavioral research study of the preferences of 358 office workers. (Author)

Asserts that school buildings must return to the basics of serving the people inside them rather than acting as monuments to their architects. Proposes some general principles for making school environments more humane, such as provision for spatial variation, spatial order and human scale. (Author/WM)

Understanding learning, and how it is encouraged or thwarted, will improve the design of schools, and can best be realized through joint action between behavioral scientist and designer. (Author)

In designing schools, planners must use the criteria of health and safety, performance, comfort, and aesthetics to create a humanized physical environment that stimulates interest and provides motivation for learning and teaching. The human factors in design are sense of place, ownership, community, presence comfort, security, aesthetics,…

A 1982 British study examined the furniture needs of 16-19 year-old students. This report presented the findings on the technical and performance requirements in terms of durability and ergonomics. This report examines the furniture requirements in teaching spaces, social, refreshment and private study areas, storage requirements for pupils'…

Defines ergonomics and discusses design and environmental considerations. Suggests work-space requirements for: tables, chairs, monitor height, ambient noise and light, electricity, and environmental hazards. Includes sources for additional information related to ergonomic design. (AEF)

The formulation of a design for a library reference desk is discussed, basic planning considerations, height, and measurements of the desk, lighting and chairs, placement of the desk, prebuilt components, and evaluation. A six-item bibliography is included. (EJS)

This nine-step outline is designed for use by librarians and library trustees in obtaining a general estimate of their library's space needs and for initiating a more comprehensive, detailed facilities planning process. Identifiable spatial requirements to be assessed include space for collections, user seating, staff work, meetings, special use,…