In the United States, 21% of all energy is used in residential buildings (40% of which is for heating and cooling homes). Promising improvements in residential building energy efficiency are underway such as the Building America Program and the Passive House Concept. The ability of improving energy efficiency in buildings is enhanced by building…

Public education is one of the central tasks of a democratic society, and the buildings that house this important task not only shape the way one teaches, but provide icons and symbols for the values people hold common as a society. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this context has placed school buildings squarely in a position of debate and innovation…

In recent years, more education administrators and designers have embraced the potential benefits of daylighting. They have been persuaded that using natural light to illuminate facilities enables schools and universities to conserve energy and provide a learning environment in which students perform better. For daylighting advocates, the…

An architect interested in schools offers suggestions on how color affects student happiness and productivity. (Editor)

A consulting engineer's lighting designer, brought into a project at its conceptual stage, could influence the architectural design in such a way so as to incorporate a lighting system that is both aesthetically pleasing and economical. To do this, he must speak the architect's language. (Author)

THE AIM OF THIS MANUAL PREPARED FOR ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS IS TO PROVIDE FOR COLOR PLANNING IN HOSPITALS AND SCHOOLS AND ALTHOUGH APPROPRIATE FOR THE SELECTION OF ALL INTERIOR SURFACE MATERIALS IN NEW CONSTRUCTION. IN SCHOOL, AND INDIVIDUAL'S EXPOSURE TO DECORATION IS REPEATED DAILY FOR BOTH STUDENTS AND STAFF ATTEND AT LEAST FOR THE SCHOOL…

A computerized review of construction bidding documents, usually done by a consulting engineer, can reveal how much money it will cost to operate various alternative types of HVAC equipment over a school's lifetime. The review should include a computerized load calculation, energy systems flow diagram, control system analysis, and a computerized…

Characteristics expected of designs and plans for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems in the educational facilities of North Carolina are itemized. Each recommendation is identified as legally mandatory, advisable with exceptions, or merely accepted practice. (PGD)

Integrated systems utilizing the heating potential of lighting equipment are discussed in terms of the implications for design and the methods for evaluation and control. General principles cover heat transfer, heat from lamps and luminaires, and control of lighting heat. Suggested systems include--(1) total control systems, (2) bleed-off systems,…

Discussion of problems and mistakes made in library facility planning highlights overemphasis of dramatic architectural elements; communications between architects and librarians; who is in charge of planning process; lighting (effect of library shelving, appropriate location of light switches); setting a schedule; furniture and equipment; and the…

This compilation is a survey of the literature pertinent to the design of lighting for educational facilities. The contents are selected to be an overview of the topic while maintaining a technical level comprehensible to the layman concerned with school planning and design. The general subject areas are--(1) the visual and lighted environment as…

Quality, not intensity, is the keystone to good library lighting. The single most important problem in lighting is glare caused by extremely intense centers of light. Multiple interfiling of light rays is a factor required in library lighting. A fixture that diffuses light well is basic when light emerges from the fixture. It scatters widely,…

A multitude of design strategies are available to achieve energy-efficient windows. Opportunities for improving window performance fall into six groups: site, exterior appendages, frame, glazing, interior accessories, and building interior. Design strategies within these groups can improve one or more of the six energy functions of windows: solar…

Developed for use in library building projects--whether they involve remodeling, expanding, or erecting a new structure--this handbook discusses the roles of the library administrator, the board, the librarian, the architect, the library building consultant, the interior designer, the building contractor, and others. It also addresses the major…

Implications of the merits of normality and independence for the disabled, and their relevance to architectural design criteria are discussed. The introduction reflects the philosophical approach to the design and construction of public buildings and housing. Nine principle sections provide data and recommendations on the following topics:…