Discusses recommendations for designing or redesigning library buildings for easy navigability. Signage, maps, collection arrangements, and placement of emergency exits must take into account observed traffic patterns, spatial or objective orientations of individual patrons, and patrons with disabilities. Contains 63 references. (BEW)

Presents an interview with Steven Bingler, an expert on community-based planning and design, about the design of public schools. Topics include the contribution of architecture to student learning, mega- versus small schools, the authentic economics of design decisions, and the role of the community in the design process. (EV)

Describes the building designs of 21 schools of various types (such as technology centers and special education facilities), including their educational contexts and design goals. Includes information on size, construction costs, architects, and contractors. Also includes floor plans and photographs. (EV)

Describes a substantial capital improvement campaign at City and Islington College in London, England, a postsecondary education institution spread over 10 sites in the city. Describes the rationale, planning, general design principles, and specifics of the three main projects. (EV)

Describes the building of the elementary school named in the title--winner of an energy efficiency design award--including the educational context and design goals. Includes information on the architects, manufacturers/suppliers, and construction team; a general building description; and a case study of construction costs and specifications. Also…

Project-based curricula have the potential to engage students' interests. But how do students become interested in the goals of a project? This article documents how a group of 8th-grade students participated in an architectural design project called the Antarctica Project. The project is based on the imaginary premise that students need to design…

Bridge construction is a popular classroom activity. However, the basic principles of tension, compression, and counterbalance are not always clearly represented and defined. The common materials used to construct model bridges, such as straws, toothpicks, Legos[TM], and building blocks, are often too flexible or stationary to demonstrate the…

The Engineering Technology Academy (ETA) program at Stafford Technical Center in Rutland, Vermont, offers benefits beyond the conventional high school learning experience. In September, at the beginning of the program, students learn the traditional skills of using tools, line weights and lettering. Once they develop these basic skills, students…

When George Mason University's Johnson Center opened a decade ago, it was on the leading edge of architectural design and innovative thinking about spaces for learning. Over time, the building has retained many of its revolutionary aspects even as it has accepted encroachments of conventionality. With its four floors and central atrium, twenty-two…

Purpose: The objective of this research is to investigate whether home accommodations influence the amount of human help provided to a nationally representative sample of adults who use wheelchairs. Design and Methods: We analyzed data from the Adult Disability Follow-back Survey (DFS), Phase II, of the Disability Supplement to the 1994-1995…

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,…

An Ohio State University project studying quality educational environments brought together experts from several fields from various countries to discuss issues and tour facilities in Europe and the United States. In addition, a survey of university staff, students, and faculty found that there is a strong relationship between school environment…

The special newsletter edition features two articles on accessibility for the disabled. The first article, "Building Non-Handicapping Environments: CIB W84 Newsletter," by Adolph Ratzka, excerpts sections from the CIB W84 Newsletter of the International Council for Building Research, Working Commission for Disabilities. It is noted that…

Developed as part of a larger project to integrate youth with disabilities into regular recreational and leisure activities, this survey was developed for use in the assessment of public accommodations according to the minimum standards set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The instrument utilizes a yes/no response format, with a…

The process of designing Wake Technical College's campus child development center involved a team of college administrators, early childhood program staff, and an architectural consultant. The design process included a needs assessment, an interest survey, center visitations, team formation, goal refinement and clarification in brainstorming…