Learning Resources

Abstract: Viewpoint Subtitles: Canadian university buildings; Buildings for people to use; Are people necessary?; Beauty without utility; The vital trinity; Pull quotes: "There is no longer an accepted canon of architectural principles." "The users of the building were scarcely mentioned." "Bad architecture is more than an aesthetic matter. It spoils people's day-to-day lives." "Everybody wants to be a star." "Architecture is now considered one of the plastic arts." "A good architect is above all a builder." "For the architect--builder context is always a challenge."

Abstract: To ensure consistently superior design in campus buildings that enhance the campus, several public universities have developed a new entity: the design review board. By 1990 at least seven state universities had recently implemented some form of review process. A dozen or more private institutions have had review committees for years. Often these public universities imitated review boards that had emerged in city governments with the historic preservation movment. Institutions, however, were able to act more efficiently by nature of their singular land ownership. The new design review boards were established mainly to (1) "Preserve threatened historic buildings and campus settings," (2) "Provide directions and design coherence for the physical growth of the campus settings," (3) "Increase the aesthetic quality and utility of all future buildings," and (4) "Create a finer outdoor environment of space and landscape." The size of the review board varies from five to 10. One university has monthly mettings; most meet two or three times a year. The members usually include the dean or head of the academic program in architecture and typically at least one member who is a nationally recognized architect and planner. All but one institution uses outside architects. Sometimes at least one member isn't an architect (which provides for balance). Members typically hold three-year terms. The campus facilities planner or resident architect is usually an nonvoting member. All of the boards studied are advisory to the president or chancellor. The review boards tend to review proposals at several check points even before design begins and hopefully become integrated in the design process. One concern voiced is that review boards slow design and thus increase costs. There are, however, rewards that come from a more unified campus of outstanding design. This is the goal that the design review board hopes to achieve.

Abstract: Book review: The Campus and Enviromental Responsiblity, edited by David Eagan and David Orr. New Directions for Higher Education Series, No77. Jossey-Bass, 1992. 133 pages.

Abstract: Viewpoint Subtitles: Theory of the leisure class; Chaos in education too. Pull quotes: "The aim should not be what is new but what is good."

Abstract: Campus signage has seldom been a design prioirity at colleges and universities, yet prospective students, guest faculty, speakers, adult education class attendees, and others must find their way around an unfamiliar campus. In recent years, a new kind of graphic designer has come into being. These are enviromental graphic designers; they are fimiliar with signage needs and provide a comprehensive process, from environmental analysis to construction details. Campus signage is not only about directional information, but also aesthetics and image. There are many varied and heated opinions about signage, so it is best to assemble the smallest possible decision-making group to work with the designer. This group, however, must remain in contact with the many other interested parties. Good sign design has the following elements: (1) "the sign format," (2) "fabrication materials," (3) "type style," (4) "the graphic layout," (5) "colors of the sign," and (6) "location of the signs." Another issue to consider is the effect of the Americans with Disablities Act. While this has few implications for exterior signage, it has very specific requirements for interior signage, such as Braille, letter size, and contrast. If an institution makes signage a priority, clear integrated campus signs can be as important as landscaping and quality architecture to a newcomer. More than anything, good signage is a mark of courtesy to all who use the campus.

Abstract: Book Review: The Academic Crisis of the Community College, by Dennis McGrath and Martin Spear. State University of New York Press, 1991. 170 pages.