Attempts to define the fundamental dimensions of human activity and some of the social controls exercised over them in the built environment. Activity is treated as an abstraction of human behavior which can be usefully related to certain aspects of the environment. The explanatory power and use of activity studies are explored. (Author)

There is reasonable agreement that hearing impairment is related to noise exposure. This hearing loss due to noise is considered a serious health injury, but there is still difficulty in delineating the importance of noise related to people's general non-auditory well-being and health. Beside hearing loss, noise inhibits satisfactory speech…

As energy costs rise so will concern for energy savings in institutions. In achieving these savings it will be necessary to consider health and safety criteria. Special needs for several types of institutional facilities are discussed. (RE)

Presents two contemporary definitions of urban design which incorporate spatial and time scales, man-environment relations, and multi-professional associations. (MA)

Explores research needs in urban design. Presents models for research design. (MA)

Social, psychological, and physiological factors all impinge on the awareness of the handicapped, the elderly, and the rest of us in experiencing architecture. (Author)

Examines the workings of a children's residential treatment environment in order to gain new insight into residential treatment in general. Areas studied include: children's responses to crowding or to isolation; use of open areas; personalization of life space; spatial territoriality; and environmental accommodation. (BF)

Discusses recent research on how light and color affect bodily functions. (Author)

Article stresses the effect of physical environment on a conference's success or failure. Further research into what constitutes the best setting and how to achieve it is urged. More study is also needed of how individuals at conferences interact with each other and with the physical setting. (PD)

The designing of intelligently planned meeting facilities can aid management communication and learning. The author examines the psychology of meeting attendance; architectural considerations (lighting, windows, color, etc.); design elements and learning modes (furniture, walls, audiovisuals, materials); and the idea of "total immersion meeting…

After a discussion of the required characteristics of an ideal aid for blind individuals traveling in adverse weather, four electronic mobility guidance devices- the Mowat Sonar Sensor, the Russell E Model Pathsounder, the Bionic C-5 Laser Cane, and the Mark II Binaural Sensory Aid-are described in detail. (Author/SB)

Discussed are issues in the development of a physical setting for child care facilities to encourage the physical and psychological growth of preschool children. Questions to be considered in selecting a location are given to include available space and nearness to the neighborhood being served. Encouraged is consideration of mental stimulation,…

Examines the differential effects of spatial density of five-year-old children. Generally, normal children motorically adjusted to a high-density condition to a greater degree than children with behavior problems. Anxious and impulsive children were especially distressed by a high-density condition, compared to normals. (Author/MA)

Two recently constructed centers for the care of young children illustrate the concern of the directors and governing boards of both centers to achieve something unique in the environmental design of these spaces that would stimulate the learning and visual experiences of young children. (Author/MLF)

The concept of environmental design cybernetics is explained, and its use by special educators and architects in creating learning environments is discussed. A proposed habitability framework is defined, and its applications to buildings and building occupants/users are offered. Research on architectural design applied to special education…