Discusses how modern schools require specific lighting systems to accommodate computers and other technologies. Describes special needs for direct and indirect lighting when considering visual display terminals and projectors, and the kind of lighting system best suited for distance learning. Offers ideas on classrooms' physical layout. (RJM)

Describes how a Florida district accommodated an influx of students by using portable, self-contained classrooms built around a permanent core of offices: a modular campus. Discusses the search for classroom space, how to integrate the modular pieces into the setting, and outlines the savings and benefits of this process. (RJM)

Describes the design and construction of a new National Archives facility at College Park, Maryland. Dubbed "Archives II" and identified as the largest archives facility in the world, the building features a five-level research room center, conservation and special media laboratories, and a day care center. Contains 11 photographs of the…

Describes the design of the DeKalb Alternative School in Atlanta, Georgia, located in a renovated shopping center. Purchasing commercial land and renovating the existing building saved the school system time and money. (EV)

Describes the award-winning building design of the Central Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis. The design had to meet the institution's varying functions as a school for deaf children, scientific research facility, place offering clinical services, and professional education department of speech and hearing. Includes photographs. (EV)

This annual review of library buildings focuses on new academic and public library buildings as well as additions and renovations. Library Buildings 2001 includes costs, book capacity, seating capacity, a six-year cost summary that includes fund sources, and a list of architects. (LRW)

Describes the new Ford Building at Detroit's College for Creative Studies. The building's design is intended to "inspire future artisans" with its open setting incorporating flexible space and natural light. Includes photographs and information on suppliers. (EV)

Discusses studies showing that color and light have a significant influence on how students learn and retain information (for example, daylight is much more beneficial than fluorescent light). Describes how many architects and designers are now incorporating these findings into their work in schools. (EV)

In architectural design education, the main objective is to help students, especially first-year students, improve their design ideas, creativity, perception of three dimensions and ways of expressing them. Thus, as an embedded concept in architecture, art has been emphasized here as a design method. In other words, the necessary help to enable…

Since the very earliest times, schools have provided a place (the playground) and a time (playtimes) in which children can have time away from the direct involvement of adults and formal learning. Although the basic design of school grounds has changed in a number of ways over the years, from the subtle to the more direct, what effect these…

Although violent crime in schools has showed a steady decline in recent years, it remains a serious concern, and administrators are continually looking for more effective approaches to school safety. At the same time, the best school environments are not only safe and secure, but also attractive and comfortable. The right school setting can…

The age of child care building on a wide scale really began in the 1970s. Before that, there had been a history of day nurseries going back to the turn of the century and Lanham Act centers during World War II to provide care for "Rosie the Riveter" mothers in the work force. The "purpose built" child care center was an economical box with almost…

Guidelines are presented regarding accessibility to buildings and facilities, transportation facilities, and transportation vehicles by individuals with disabilities, under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. These guidelines are to be applied during building design, construction, and alteration. Part 1 offers detailed facility…

The United States Capitol building fashions an historical awe that includes images of the founding fathers, legislative branch, executive branch, and the American people. Even though it was built for elected officials to take care of governmental business, it serves to represent the democratic republic from which the United States was created.…

This two-part book chronicles the stories of 20 women who built houses--for themselves by hand or for others as designers or architects. It is based on interviews by the author with the women and others over a 5-year period. The first part of the book documents the projects and careers of the women interviewed. It explores their backgrounds and…