Analyzing Rectangular Classrooms
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 6, Issue 1
Abstract
The shape of classrooms is usually rectangular with various lengths and widths. Certain parts of the classroom are better than others for viewing the board depending on the viewing distance and horizontal viewing angle. Other parts are not as good in viewing the board where students are expected to commit errors in copying from the board and may take longer time in reading. This study attempts to analyze five sections of any classroom size, and an index is developed for each section in a particular academic term to reflect cumulative hours spent in each section by students. A case study is included to apply the concepts of classroom sections. Finally, a new classroom design in the shape of a trapezoid is recommended to maximize the best area for viewing the board. Architectural engineers and architects may find it challenging to design a building with classrooms of nontraditional shape.
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References
1.
Ham, R. (1987). Theaters—Planning guidance for design and adaptation. The Architectural Press, London.
2.
Kinney, G. C., Manning, S., and Smith, L. S. (1965). “Further research on the effect of viewing angle and symbol size on reading ease.” ESD-TDR-64-633, MITRE Corp., Bedford, Mass.
3.
Ramsey, C. G., and Sleeper, H. R. (1981). Architectural graphic standards, 7th Ed., Wiley, New York.
4.
Sanders, M. S., and McCormick, E. J. (1992). Human factors in engineering and design. McGraw-Hill, Singapore.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 6 • Issue 1 • March 2000
Pages: 1 - 5
History
Received: Feb 9, 1999
Published online: Mar 1, 2000
Published in print: Mar 2000
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