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A record and assessment of the important environmental features of office buildings erected between 1948 and 1961 in the business center of London, England, has been assembled. This survey gives an overall picture of the main trends in office building and architecture and examines their consequences in terms of user satisfactions and complaints. The major problems are shown to be the effects of over-heating in summer, poor ventilation, and noise, particularly from road traffic. An important conclusion which emerges from the report is that all these effects are interrelated and are frequently the outcome of the design and construction of the building. (TC)

A discussion of traditional approaches to design forms the basis for the presentation of a methodology for architectural design. In particular, the sequence of analysis-synthesis-evaluation is given as being indicative of most design approaches. Variations of this sequence are examined and the importance of correctly ordering parts of any methodology is adopted as a major concern. The proposed methodology is viewed in terms of sequence and has the following elements--(1) recognition of existence of a problem, (2) definition of problem, (3) collection and analysis of pertinent information, (4) synthesis of information into possible configurations, (5) selection of a solution, (6) implementation of solution, and (7) re-evaluation of solution. Necessary aspects of this system which require particular approaches are dealt with in a review of value systems, activity prediction means, and environmental control principles. (RS)

A project which started as a design exercise in form and linear relationships and the containment of spatial elements, quickly developed into a many-sided study. (Author)

The paper deals with the story of the engines intended for the smaller Fiat cars, starting with the ‘500’ model produced in 1936: all engines with displacements in the neighbourhood of 500 cm3. With small cars, especially of the utility class, the adaptability of the piston engine to a variety of design and space requirements is used to best advantage. The size, weight and displacement must blend with the design of the car as a whole; in turn, the design must feature the highest degree of simplicity compatible with the qualities required. It is, therefore, important for the engine of utility cars to be designed as a function of the general architecture of the vehicle. At Fiat, after a period in which economical cars of conventional design were produced, work was started along this line with the ‘500’ (Topolino) model in 1933–1934. The paper illustrates the design of this model and describes the reasons behind some of its engineering details, as well as the subsequent developments which led to the final solution. Also outlined are the more important designs of experimental engines studied as substitutes for the ‘500’ model: a transversal four-cylinder engine, with overhead camshaft, built in 1945, for a front-wheel drive prototype; an air-cooled, two-cylinder in-line engine, mounted transversally, for a rear-wheel drive prototype; an opposed two-cylinder engine, with longitudinal axis, in replacement of the previous unit; a two-cylinder in-line engine with longitudinal axis, finally chosen for the ‘New 500’ model introduced in May 1957. Also described are the further developments of the latter engine for the version with horizontally arranged cylinders suitable for underfloor application. The paper highlights the more interesting aspects regarding both the design and the experiments made and explains the principal reasons leading to the choice of given solutions and to the modifications which followed.

S OF PAPERS PRESENTED AT THE TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIANS Chicago, Illinois, January 28-31, 1971

S OF PAPERS PRESENTED AT THE TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIANS Boston, Massachusetts, January 30-February 2, 1969 LATROBE AND HIS FOLLOWERS Chairman: Paul F. Norton, University of Massachusetts LATROBE'S PROFESSIONALISM J. Meredith Neil, University of Hawaii It is generally agreed that Benjamin Henry Latrobe was one of the first professional architects to practice in the United States. Other than to note his persistent efforts to gain recognition for architects as professionals rather than "mechanics," however, scholars have failed to explore the meaning or the significance of Latrobe's notions about the profession. The result, as may be seen in Hamlin's renowned biography, has been a failure to understand Latrobe as truly a man of his time and place. Latrobe's letters and journals reveal three basic contexts within which he felt called upon either to discuss his concept of the professional architect, or to elaborate matters that clearly expose his feelings on the subject. First, and probably most important, would be his letters to clients, associates, and students which concern questions of professional fees and prerogatives connected with designing and building particular structures. A variety of letters may be cited here. Secondly, Latrobe's insistent distinction between the professional and the gentleman amateur points up certain crucial aspects of his theory of the profession. A comparison ofJefferson's, Thornton's, and Latrobe's ideas about the design of the University of Virginia may serve to exemplify this second context. Finally, Latrobe's opinions on city planning, especially as related to New Castle, Delaware, and Nescopeck, Pennsylvania, round out our understanding of what being a professional meant to Latrobe. We must conclude that Latrobe's professionalism, like Jefferson's theory of democracy, and Charles Willson Peale's ideal of a patriotic scientific museum, is distinctly early nineteenth-century American in flavor. Latrobe's not-quite-moder view of the architect surprisingly corresponds to the Jeffersonian democracy that still smacks of colonial deference, and with Peale's theory of public institutions insufficiently emancipated from a shallow rationalism and optimism. Latrobe wished the professional American architect to be paid at least as well as the commission merchant, in due recognition of his long training, rare talents, and high overhead costs. At the same time, Latrobe expected the architect to act like, and to have the status of an eighteenth-century gentleman rather than a "mere carpenter." The former emphasis on expertise and economic realism proved to be at least occasionally incompatible with the later notions of gentlemanly humanism and noblesse oblige. Thus, Latrobe proudly contributed his services to all churches, including the Baltimore Cathedral, which accorded well with a gentlemanly graciousness, but could scarcely be thought of as a way to maintain a modern practice. Similarly, Labrobe's frequent reliance on European precedent while conceding that American conditions were laudably different, just as surely as Jefferson's and Peale's ambivalent attitudes towards Europe, represented a stage in American thought distinctive of the first generation of national independ

A classified list of articles, papers, pamphlets and facility checklists in the science facilities collection of the Architectural Services Staff. Professional support of an administrative nature in the areas of architectural design, engineering and construction is provided by the Staff. A bibliography is included, major headings being general planning, space utilization, cost studies, science building type studies, facilities design criteria, construction details, and non-science building type studies. (RK)

Three conference papers concerned with systems analysis and time management planning. One paper is concerned with techniques, especially the application of the "critical path method" or PERT (Program Evaluation Review Technique) in planning construction activities. A second paper concerns problems associated with collecting and communicating knowledge about educational facilities. A third paper discusses the advantages of time management techniques in program planning. Also included is a discussion centered about an application of time management planning. (FPO)

The central topic of how institutions of higher education solve facilities need problems which result from rapidly expanding enrollments was examined by a conference on facility utilization and the planning of instructional facilities. The proceedings include the major papers delivered, which varied from a broad view of the problems to an analysis of some specific elements of planning for expansion. Also included in the presentations were--(1) a case study, (2) a look to the future, and (3) information on resources available from campus planners and architects. A discussion summary is included for the symposium on campus planning, and the reactions to the major papers are recorded from a panel discussion. A comprehensive bibliography on planning higher education facilities is included. (HH)

The history of the wasps of temperate America has not been recorded. It appears that entomologists have no great desire to study those interesting insects; and although several species occur in Canada, we know little or nothing of their natural history. One species, the spotted wood wasp (Vespa maculata, Linn.), occurs commonly, as near as I can determine, about every third year, in our northern woods. Havinq partially studied its habits, and collected a series of the nests in all their stages, it is particularly in regard to the latter that I claim attention. But before I proceed to relate what I have ascertained regarding their architecture, it will suffice to state that each large nest which we notice suspended from trees towards the end of summer consisted of a colony of males, females and workers or imperfect females, as they are termed.

The beautiful drawings by Mr. Smirke, junior, of different fragments of ancient ecclesiastical architecture in the south of Europe, are extremely interesting to every one who has studied that subject; and it is most earnestly to be wished, that such of our artists as travel into Germany and Italy, would give some portion of their time to the collection of specimens similar to those exhibited by Mr. Smirke; the accuracy of which is not less to be admired than the elegance of their execution. In reasoning, however, from such specimens, as to the style of architecture in use at different periods, much caution is requisite, lest repairs and additions of a later date should be confounded with the original structure. Of such additions and mixture of style our own cathedrals afford so many instances that it is needless to particularize any.