7.24.08 | Minneapolis, MN | InformeDesign released a  study, Promoting Walking and Biking to School. The study examined the impact of distance and urban form (e.g., presence of major roads, route directness) on choice of transportation to and from schools in Bend and Springfield, OR. The study concluded:

• Since the 1960's, the number of students who walk or bike to school has decreased and may contribute to childhhood obesity.
• Smaller, centralized schools are giving way to larger facilities located on the urban periphery where street connectivity is limited and housing density is low, and may contribute to reduced walking and biking to school. 

7.22.08 | Zeeland, MI | Herman Miller's Education Solutions team's March 2008 survey revealed that student expectations surpassed technology as the number one factor driving new needs for higher education learning spaces. Comparisons from a previous 2006 survey show that student expectations rose to 37% from 9% in 2006 and technology rose to 22% from 7%.  The survey also found that the most valuable aspect of effective learning spaces is the support of student and faculty engagement. Further survey results covered suggestions for higher education presidents, characteristics of effective learning spaces, and characteristics of ineffective learning spaces.

7.17.08 | Minneapolis, MN | InformeDesign published two research summaries:

• Exploring the Use of Tools for Urban Sustainability in European Cities, by authors J.O. Jensen and M. Elle, analyzes case study findings from the Practical Evaluation for Urban Sustainability (PETUS) project in Europe (www.petus.eu.com)
• The Built Environment and the Ecosphere: A Global Perspective, by William E. Rees, discusses the current unsustainable use of natural resources and explores ways to avert a crisis.