American Institute of Architects

As the largest design organization in the world, AIA is working to transform the day-to-day practice of architecture to achieve a zero-carbon, resilient, healthy, just, equitable built environment, for everyone.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 625 results.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

    While all pavements require maintenance and eventually rehabilitation, the modular nature of interlocking concrete pavement (ICP) requires maintenance procedures distinctly different from those for monolithic pavements. This course provides information on surface cleaning, sealers, sealing procedures, and joint sand stabilization. Repair procedures for the subgrade, base, bedding, and paver layers are also provided. Snow management techniques are addressed, and the course concludes with an in-depth look at pavement management using ASTM procedures for establishing a pavement condition index.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Play and music are both essential parts of our lives. When we can combine music and play together in a fun and engaging space, the benefits are numerous, no matter your age. This course discusses why play and music education perform such a critical role in the development of happy, healthy children. We'll discuss the copious amounts of research that tell us that music education has real-life benefits, such as increased IQ, language development, and social engagement, and the role music plays within multiple therapies for the elderly and those suffering from mental illnesses. The course finishes with an overview of how to design musical play spaces for safety and inclusivity.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Prefabrication, in whole or in part, is a rapidly growing construction trend that has influenced how buildings and their components are being designed and assembled on- or off-site. This course provides an overview of the various prefabrication approaches, focusing on prefabricated bathrooms. It explores how designers can identify the prefabricated bathroom products and suppliers that best integrate with building prefabrication to optimize product and building benefits, economies, performance, and quality.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Water is a valuable resource, yet many states suffer water shortages due to preventable issues, such as overuse and leaks. This course presents the increased need for water conservation and provides an overview of the EPA’s WaterSense® program. Examined are how plumbing fixtures can meet the requirements of green building codes, standards, and rating systems, including LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C). Healthcare, institutional, and residential case studies demonstrate the benefits of water-efficient plumbing fixtures.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Dive into the intersection of design excellence and environmental responsibility with this comprehensive course on TFL decorative panels. Explore the intrinsic value of sustainability in the design world, unravel the complexities of the carbon cycle, and uncover how forests and wood play pivotal roles in carbon sequestration. Discover the versatile applications and climate-positive attributes of TFL panels, empowering you to make informed, eco-conscious choices in your design projects. Elevate your understanding of exceptional design, durability, and sustainability, and contribute to a greener, more resilient future.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Cellulose insulation has been used successfully by builders and designers for hundreds of years to provide comfort and warmth. Today, builders and designers also consider sustainability principles, climate change, occupant health and wellness issues, energy conservation, and carbon sequestration. Advanced cellulose insulation addresses all those areas as well. This course explains its environmental benefits, including its carbon capture ability, how it improves occupant health and well-being, and its numerous high-performance thermal, acoustic, and fire-resistant attributes.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Color is often used functionally across many design elements; this can also be done with concrete by simply dosing standard concrete mix designs with pigment. Using pigment, concrete can be transformed from a plain, common material into a beautiful, sustainable, and enduring building element. Adding pigments to concrete elevates a project's quality and impact. This course presents basic knowledge of how concrete pigments are manufactured and how they are measured and dispensed to produce the desired color hue and intensity capable of elevating a project to the next level.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Acoustical doors are vital in managing sound transmission in various architectural and industrial settings. This course discusses evaluating, specifying, and integrating acoustical doors into projects that demand effective noise control, speech privacy, and occupant comfort. It also examines how acoustical doors may help meet credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction rating system and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. Compliance with fire safety codes and SCIF specifications is also discussed.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In light of the recent pandemic and the increasing frequency of wildfires, there is growing awareness around the impact of air quality, particularly in indoor environments. Building systems that manage air circulation and ventilation play a crucial role in supporting occupant health and well-being and can help meet indoor air quality credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction, Interior Design and Construction, and Operations and Maintenance rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. This course provides an overview of indoor air quality (IAQ) and offers strategies for improving it through responsive design and technology.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    A hybrid paving system is an outdoor flooring solution that combines timeless design, lasting durability, and installation efficiency. This course introduces hybrid paving systems and compares them to traditional paving materials. Best practices for installation, including base preparation and drainage considerations, are presented. The course explores residential and commercial applications and highlights how material selection and installation impact long-term performance, life-cycle costs, safety, and sustainability.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Infrared patio heaters sustainably increase safety and comfort in outdoor entertaining areas. There are many variables in creating ambient warmth, and the effectiveness and cost of heating an outdoor space depend on the design of the selected heating option. This course looks at the available outdoor heating options and their sustainability profiles, focusing on the types, color choices, mounting methods, and control options of electric infrared heaters. It includes a review of the steps required to select the best solution.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Authorities having jurisdiction all over the world, including in all 50 US states, have mandated photoluminescent egress path markings to support safe evacuation of high-rise buildings in the case of total power failure. This course reviews photoluminescent egress path marking requirements in the model International Building Code® and International Fire Code® (2015, 2018, 2021) and identifies compliant photoluminescent path marking products. The course also discusses recommended best practices that exceed code requirements, which will reduce building operation costs and improve occupant and first responder safety.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Communities need accessible, versatile surfaces for play and relaxation for people of all ages and abilities. Modern landscape synthetic turf options are specifically formulated for public recreation spaces frequented by adults, children, and pets. This course reviews the health benefits of being outdoors, the history and fabrication of synthetic turf, the design considerations for various recreation applications, and synthetic turf’s performance and sustainability characteristics.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course introduces pedestal-supported rooftop deck systems and the technical factors that influence their design and specification, including durability and fire, wind uplift, and seismic performance. It also examines how rooftop deck assemblies can support strategies recognized in LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, the WELL Building Standard™ version 2, and the SITES® v2 Rating System.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Provides an overview of the noise issues associated with floor/ceiling assemblies of multifamily dwellings, as well as the factors that affect acoustical performance. Also presented is a review of the acoustical solutions that are available with a focus on sound mats with poured underlayment (SMPU) systems.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Restrooms and other plumbing applications must comply with accessibility regulations, but do you know exactly how to do that? This course is a handy reference that explains what codes and regulations you must satisfy, when those requirements apply to new construction and alterations, and how to select and install fixtures to meet accessibility standards and the requirements of the LEED® v5 for Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ v2.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Maximizing natural daylight inside buildings boosts occupant health and well-being and reduces reliance on electric lighting, but the challenge is to maintain a comfortable environment free from glare and heat buildup. This course explores exterior fabric shading solutions that can reduce solar heat gain, maintain privacy and views, and contribute toward energy savings, daylighting, and shading goals in the WELL Building Standard™ v2, the Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2, and the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems. Awnings and screens combining minimalist design with innovative technology are reviewed, along with the myriad customization options to meet functional and aesthetic goals across a range of project types.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines threats to window and door integrity in buildings, including forced entry, ballistic impact, storm debris, and blast pressure. It covers retrofit and replacement approaches that strengthen glazing systems, explains relevant testing protocols, and addresses misleading performance claims. The course concludes with guidance on how to assess existing conditions and specify solutions that support occupant safety, risk mitigation, and building resilience.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In response to a stronger emphasis on natural resources, building efficiencies, and occupant welfare, manufacturers continue to improve design service offerings, product performance, and installation solutions. Fiberglass fenestration meets these demands for residential and commercial design in the built environment. This course explores the performance attributes of fiberglass fenestration, energy efficiency and structural benefits, testing and verification processes, and contributions to healthy building occupancy.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The architectural uses for perforated metal span a wide variety of interior and exterior applications for residential, industrial, and commercial projects. Reviewed in this course are the applications and the specification considerations for standard and custom perforated metal, along with a discussion on how it is used to sculpt light, control sound, and compose views.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines how inclusive outdoor environments and well-designed site furnishings can promote health, safety, and well-being for all individuals. While everyone can benefit from being outdoors, many people experience exclusion due to design barriers in public spaces. Learners will explore strategies and furniture specifications, including layout and materials, that support accessible and inclusive design and contribute to LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C), WELL Building Standard™ v2, and SITES® v2 goals. Case studies highlight real-world applications in communities, school campuses, and public spaces. 

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Deck railing systems provide the finishing touch to an outdoor area, as well as safety and improved accessibility. Choosing a system that suits a deck project’s needs depends on a variety of factors, including cost, durability, style, customization, maintenance, and eco-friendliness. This course explores the many railing materials that are available, with a focus on aluminum, composite, and aluminum and composite railing systems, whose characteristics are ideal for most projects. 

  • ( ~ 30 minutes ) 

    Prequalification of contractors is a method used to manage the risks of an open tender process. It ensures the contractors invited to bid on the project have demonstrated applicable experience and are capable of delivering the necessary quality and value. This course is a primer on contractor prequalification and describes who benefits from the process, the applicable project delivery methods, the role of the architect, the typical information requested of the contractor, and when to use prequalification and when not to.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Direct vent fireplaces are safe and efficient supplemental heat sources in today’s homes. This course reviews the innovative design options for gas fireplaces, including media options, cool wall technology, and safety barriers. Direct and power vent heat delivery systems are discussed, and the impact of standing versus electric pilot lights on energy efficiency is examined.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the use of entrance floor systems in commercial buildings in order to promote a safe and clean environment. The course explains the codes, regulations, and guidelines specifically related to entrance flooring systems for high-traffic entrances in healthcare, education, transportation, corporate, and other commercial settings.

Displaying 1 - 25 of 625 results.

FIRST [1-25] [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] NEXT LAST