Designing buildings for life safety and wellness is getting easier.

This 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 course will describe the aesthetic and biophilic benefits, as well as the objective sustainability standards achieved by innovative metal wall materials that mimic wood. The course will describe how the materials provide both physical and emotional comfort to occupants, protection from harsh weather, and the community benefits of sustainable construction. A variety of applications are also detailed in case studies of actual projects.

Learning Objective 1:
The student will understand how and why the use of materials that mimic but outperform natural materials is highly desirable.

Learning Objective 2:
The student will be able to explain the technologies applied to materials and methods of construction that mimic wood in order to improve sustainability and resist environmental attack.

Learning Objective 3:
The student will recognize the favorability of these materials and methods of construction through a recitation of their achievements in testing and evaluation, how they meet construction standards, and what contributions they make to LEED v4.

Learning Objective 4:
The student will become familiar with a variety of existing projects that demonstrate successful adoption of these products and methods.

This course recognizes the flush toilet as one of the biggest users of water and discusses how toilet design is pushing flush technology to develop ways for homes and commercial buildings to conserve water without sacrificing the performance of the toilet. Industry testing protocols and the water-saving capabilities of different technologies are evaluated. Today—as climate change, population growth, and record droughts present an unprecedented strain on our water supply—conservation technology is building awareness to the importance of having the most water-efficient fixtures in a home or business.

This course is designed to teach the history of synthetic turf, its application in water and energy conservation, pollution abatement, sustainable design, and its versatility in numerous landscaping applications and designs. Participants will become knowledgeable about synthetic turf and innovative applications that could be applied to their residential and commercial projects. The most current technological advances in the industry and the positive role synthetic turf plays in the environment.

Learning Objective 1:
Students will gain an increased awareness of the positive environmental impact of synthetic turf on water use, reduced energy demand and reduction of use of fossil fuels, reduced chemical application, and resulting reduction of water and noise pollution.

Learning Objective 2:
Students will become more informed on the newest synthetic turf material technologies available, including the use of soy based materials, as well as how the proper application of infills and proper material selection can benefit the health and safety of athletes.

Learning Objective 3:
Students will be more knowledgeable about the history and evolution of the technology and of landscaping and sports applications using synthetic turf.

Learning Objective 4:
Students will better understand the versatility of synthetic turf and its many uses in sustainable landscape design.

The pattern map evaluates a pattern on two key elements: structure and nature. This course explains why these two elements affect how we recognize and respond to patterns and examines ways to bridge architecture and nature by using architectural panel systems with patterned openings, and provide a sense of space, privacy, shade, or camouflage with cladding, screens, or railings.

HSW Justification: Architectural use of patterns plays a vital role in enhancing the Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) in of our built environments. Our mental well-being, for example, can be positively impacted through organic biophilic geometries that connect occupants to nature to positively affect mood and reduce stress, while geometric or crystalline patterns create the dynamic visual interest necessary for effective way-finding elements to prevent accidents and ensure safer navigation. Some patterns can also be visually transparent while others act as camouflage which can be an important consideration for surface treatment in circulation areas. From a macro perspective, patterns can promote inclusivity and community engagement, while enriching their overall user experience.

Learning Objective 1: Students will learn to compare patterns on a pattern map and explore how different geometries are perceived and processed in the mind of the user, how they contribute to issues affecting safety, and even encourage engagement in built environments.

Learning Objective 2: Students will learn to explain how different characteristics and application of a pattern’s functionality can impact on how we perceive visual space to improve safety and social interaction, as well as contribute to positive mental health.

Learning Objective 3: Students will learn the importance of selecting the most appropriate openness factor and base material for the given project objectives, for example, how to enhance natural light, improve air quality, and create a welcoming atmosphere in built environments.

Learning Objective 4: Students will learn how to apply HSW Best Practices to provide privacy, facade screening, camouflage, shade, or railings with architectural panels with patterned openings to best create a positive user experience.

This course will explore the cutting-edge union of design and technology by delving into parametric design and its symbiosis with digital fabrication, and how the vision is best achieved via vertically-integrated, technology-forward product manufacturers. We will also discuss strategies for effective collaboration with these manufacturers throughout the architectural design process.

Learning Objective 1: Students will learn about the use of parametric design in architecture, including its definition, history and current state.

Learning Objective 2: Students will learn about the marriage between parametric design and digital fabrication.

Learning Objective 3: Students will understand why vertical integration is an important operating model for product manufacturers looking to leverage parametric design.

Learning Objective 4: Students will understand how to partner with vertical manufacturers throughout the architectural design process and learn the advantages of this digital collaborative approach.

Beauty, 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.

Modern open spaces create a unique set of challenges when it comes to acoustics, particularly because many new buildings are designed with open plans and open plenums. Fortunately, there are innovative acoustic systems on the market that are designed to integrate with open plenums that can help to overcome these challenges. This course will discuss customizable acoustical solutions for open plenum design, including baffles, beams, clouds, and acoustical wall panels, which are available in a variety of materials like metal, wood, fiberglass, and felt. The course will explore the importance of acoustical design and how these open plenum ceiling systems can transform a space aesthetically while maximizing acoustics.

This course provides fundamental information about Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology while overviewing three different application projects that feature the design flexibility, efficiency and owner benefits of specifying VRF systems.