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Three groups of freshman architecture and design students were assigned different design approaches before producing a handcarving from a six-inch wood cube. The problem is the first three-dimensional one in the design curriculum. One approach was to work directly in the wood; the second was to draw a transparent grain structure diagram of the intact cube before carving; the third was to make a series of charcoal sketches of a possible design before carving. Contrary to prediction, the three approaches did not affect direct measures of the handcarving. However, as anticipated, the measures on the handcarvings had different correlational patterns with previous design work: Scores on handcarvings of the charcoal sketches group were significantly correlated with previous design grades whereas scores for the other groups were not. These and other results raise questions about strategies for helping students to develop critical judgment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents studies on school illumination. Researchers show an outline of physical, pathological and physiological effects of light or visible radiation upon the eye. Illumination, vision, and ocular fatigue are important factors in the health of the child and likewise in his school progress. The American Recommended Practice of School Lighting called for a substantial increase in lighting standards. The amount of natural light available in the classroom may depend on weather conditions, architectural design, orientation, fenestration, or by the window blinds used. A majority of the classrooms receive its natural light through windows. The type of glass used and the location and design of the windows are therefore important in illumination.