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| xix A Note on the Book’s Structure The Nonlinear Approach Though it appears to meander randomly, a stream has a logical proportional flow based on topography and mathematics. The natural geometry of a meandering river is a response to volume and silt load resulting in alternating shallows , deep pools, and cleansing currents. Tampering with these graceful bends can result in more frequent and extreme flooding. My work has not taken a purely linear path, and I view my experiences as interconnected rather than isolated. It has been a challenge to convey this rich sense of fullness and complexity while providing an orderly narrative. I have opted for a multifaceted approach to impart my ideas and those of the many people who have enriched the journey. The “spine” of the book is composed of a core narrative in four parts with ten chapters, a distillation of the main themes I have uncovered and the thinking that has evolved over the years. The narrative unfolds along the lines of the architectural planning and design process and concludes with a look to the future of learning environments. My work achieves continuity through the essential beliefs and thought processes in the core narrative. To me, though, this is not enough, so I have saved space “in the margins” to share related ideas from colleagues—quotes, questions, anecdotes, sidebars, photographs, illustrations, and charts (Tools for Thought)—all designed to stimulate thinking about learning environments and to encourage an open, diversified approach to the problems school planners and designers face today. The ideas in this running visual and verbal commentary are identified and separated graphically into color coded sections. A designer perspective section written by outside contributors appears at the end of each chapter. In addition, each major part of the book concludes with an open stewardship forum of case studies and commentary derived from many different contributors on selected topics vital to school planning. The idea of stewardship—the individual’s responsibility to manage and care for life and property with proper regard for the rights of others—is at the heart of my thinking . The forum contributors provide examples of corroborating fieldwork for the ideas expressed in the book. Their writing is excerpted and consolidated from longer articles generously shared with me early in the book-writing process. I remain indebted to these contributors—colleagues, friends, and, of course, the children—who have been part of a collaborative life’s work. designer perspective stewardship forum tools for thought sidebar ...

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