Achieving a Balance of Life Safety and Wellness
Designing buildings for life safety and wellness is getting easier.
...Read MoreThis is your go-to source for free AIA-approved continuing education for architects. Plus, almost all our courses are delivered in streaming HD video. Registration is fast and easy, just click on Login/Register above. Then, you can enroll in any of our courses found in any of our programs with a single click. Our courses meet or exceed NCARB's high standards for state board license renewal. AIA member? Your credit will be reported to AIA for you.
Designing buildings for life safety and wellness is getting easier.
...Read MoreThis course will cover the aesthetic, design, health, safety and welfare aspects of, and certifications achieved by wallcoverings laminated with DuPont™ Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride film. Because Dupont™ is the only source for Tedlar® film there is no comparable competitive product in the market place. Therefore, we will be referring to the product from time to time by using its registered trademark brand name, Tedlar®.
HSW Justification:
Tedlar PVF film is applied to wallcovering to prevent off-gassing of building materials behind the wall. The film also is repeatedly and frequently cleanable without damage or deterioration. It does not support the growth o=f microorganisms, mold or mildew and is therefore excennent in restaurant and hospital settings. Additionally, the film is impossible to permanently stain. Stains wipe off with ease. Learning objectives cite additional HSW benefits.
Learning Objective 1:
The architect will recognize the aesthetic and design advantages of using PVF film on wallcoverings and architectural surfaces.
Learning Objective 2:
The architect will understand the health and safety advantages of using PVF film wallcoverings in occupied spaces.
Learning Objective 3:
The architect will be able to identify appropriate interior and exterior applications for wallcoverings protected by PVF film.
Learning Objective 4:
And, the architect will understand the ratings and certifications achieved by Tedlar® laminated wallcoverings.
Because Dupont™ is the only source for Tedlar® film there is no comparable competitive product in the market place. Therefore, we will be referring to the product from time to time by using its registered trademark brand name, Tedlar®.
Owing to the unique nature of this product, an architectural specification describing the PVF film known as Tedlar®. You will need to download this document to begin the course. At least one of the concluding quiz questions is based on this supplemental material.
...Read MoreArchitecture tells us a great deal about society. In fact, glass and glazing are used to blur the lines between inside and out, helping elevate performance and the experiences of people. Yet while humans can use environmental cues to identify glass as a barrier, there is growing realization that birds cannot. The solution is bird-friendly glass that delivers on performance, energy efficiency and the needs of people. This course from Guardian Glass is intended to provide the basis for a better understanding of how to recognize issues affecting the bird population while learning about best practices and design fundamentals for smarter, safer buildings.
...Read MoreDesigning with green roofs affords design professionals opportunities to plan projects with exciting new elements, added value, and significant, tangible benefits, thereby enhancing the built environment with newly-created landscapes. This course examines green roof systems, including the types, benefits, components, and related standards. It also reviews a number of installations that demonstrate these principles.
...Read MoreThis course is designed to introduce the architect to egress marking systems that are used for ordinary way finding and building evacuation in emergency situations. These signage systems are meant to be selected and installed according to specific standards established by building codes. Additionally, once installed, these systems must be tested to assure their efficacy in case of an emergency. How to select and specify the appropriate markers and the technological solutions available, as well as testing methods, will all be covered in this course.
HSW Justification:
Building exit markings are critical to the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants during emergency situations.
Learning Objective 1:
When this course is complete the student will will understand egress signage obligations as imposed through building codes and standards.
Learning Objective 2:
The student will further understand the various technologies available to address those signage codes and standards.
Learning Objective 3:
And, the student will learn what the requirements are to conduct on-going testing of egress systems after installation.
This session will present how IoT lighting can be a fundamental platform for smart environments. Well planned building integration allows a flexible, scalable lighting system to collect the data that ultimately brings more value to the building owner.
At the end of this course, participants will learn:
This course is designed to introduce the architect to emergency lights. These lights are meant to be selected and installed according to specific standards established by building codes. Additionally, once installed, these systems must be tested to assure their efficacy in case of an emergency. How to select and specify the appropriate markers and the technological solutions available, as well as testing methods, will all be covered in this course.
HSW Justification:
The selection and implementation of a proper emergency lighting program is essential to the life safety of a building's occupants.
Learning Objective 1:
The student will understand egress signage obligations as imposed through building codes and standards.
Learning Objective 2:
The student will further understand the various technologies available to address those signage codes and standards.
Learning Objective 3:
The student will learn what the requirements are to conduct on-going testing of egress systems after installation.
Neuroarchitecture is a design discipline that seeks to incorporate neuroscience into design to augment the built environment’s positive influence on the emotional and physical health of people.
...Read MoreThis course explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on design and construction decisions, particularly focusing on operable glass walls in interior and exterior applications, primarily in the hospitality industry. Students will gain familiarity with terminology, capabilities, and uses of operable glass walls, with an emphasis on addressing health concerns post-pandemic through responsive design. The course highlights how operable glass walls contribute to improving the health, safety, and well-being of building occupants while also providing psychological benefits by creating comfortable environments. Practical design concepts applicable to various commercial projects will be covered, with direct access to manufacturer resources for further assistance.
Learning Objective 1: You will be able to identify and recognize the significance of the health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic as they relate to building design and product selection.
Learning Objective 2: You will learn how to assess the safety aspects of incorporating design and product selections that protect buildings, occupants, and owners from harm and damage, particularly in light of unexpected violence and vandalism.
Learning Objective 3: You will be able to explain the welfare aspects of design and product selection that enable equitable access to all, can elevate the human experience with daylight and outdoor access, and benefit the environment through sustainable building design.
Learning Objective 4: You will be able to determine ways to incorporate the design principles as presented into different building types and applications.
...Read MoreBeauty, functionality, and wellness-enhancing can co-exist in design, with the right products. This article explores solutions that help architects achieve these important multi-benefits. Pavers that create beautiful outdoor spaces that are easy to maintain. Skylights that allow daylight and fresh air into the interior. Underlayment that improves acoustics and sound management, while protecting the integrity of the interior air quality. Each improves the functionality of the space and the wellness of the people in the built environment.
...Read More