The Children's Learning Center in Providence, Rhode Island, is a prototypical teaching/learning environment for preschool children aged 3-5. The center represents the first prototypical application of the Multi-Activity Zones for Education (MAZE) system. This study attempts to demonstrate and test the physical and operational performances of the…

The first part of this document contains reports of committee activities and discussions in five areas: higher education and research, general and technical education, out-of-school education, cultural development, and educational documentation and research. The second part includes a progress report of the Council and reports from the eighth…

This report explores environmental alternatives and optimums for a regional center for hearing impairment. The intent is to inform planners, architects, and educators of needs that are hopefully translatable into socially purposeful architecture. The objective is to encourage environmental solutions that reflect the educational concerns and social…

Educational facilities for handicapped children are examined in terms of environmental design planning and needs. The first of four sections reports basic findings of the project Physical Environment and Special Education: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Research, which appraised by questionnaires and site visits the present status of special…

This paper first outlines the several problems encountered by architects in predicting user comprehension of designed environments, establishes the importance of the need to predict accurately, and suggests ways in which research can help improve prediction. Also discussed are the objectives and methodological problems associated with the four…

This report describes a study conducted by the Boulder Valley (Colorado) Public Schools to determine the impact and value of the district's open-space elementary schools as compared to its traditional school buildings with self-contained classrooms. Specifically, the study sought to determine the effects of varying school designs on (1) the…

Describes the planning and organization of a media center for a new high school building in Michigan. The philosophical issues considered are discussed in terms of current and future needs and the technology available, and the school's computerized electronic access system for instructional and administrative use is described. (EM)

Three articles on library buildings present Library Journal's annual architectural survey of completed public and academic library buildings and library projects in progress; guidelines for leasing a shared library facility, and a description of a successful public library building project in Michigan are also discussed. (EM)

To better understand construction's impact, an overview of building ecology as a concept and as a decision-making model for school systems is provided. "Building ecology" is defined as the interrelationships among people, the built environment, and the natural environment. It has special relevance for school design because most of the…

Describes student projects on applications of solar energy optics to home design. Project criterion (requiring sketches and detailed calculations of time rate of energy flow/production) is that half the heat for the heating season be taken from the solar resource; calculations must be based on meteorological data for a specific location. (JM)

As library funding decreases, choosing to convert an unused building into a library is a beneficial alternative to building a new facility. Reuse saves money, building time, and gains greater community support. Offers advice on how to choose a location and what to look for in structure, mechanics, electrical resources; and discusses challenges in…

Presents an interview with Dr. Harold P. Geerdes, world-renowned music facility planner, acoustician, and music professor. Dr. Geerdes discusses the different characteristics of rehearsal spaces and concert halls as well as the importance of interior materials and design. He also provides some easy and inexpensive tips for schools. (MJP)

Discusses the need for cooperation between architects and clients during the design process, and describes the working relationship between an architect and librarian during the design of a school library facility. Specific solutions for design requirements relating to book processing, reference services, and microform use are described. (CLB)

Addresses design and safety issues of which school business administrators should be aware when they become involved in integrating a preschool facility with an elementary school. Discusses building environmental factors, safety, health codes, play surfaces, energy conservation, and architectural considerations. (KDP)