2.0 hour

The tools, techniques, and approaches to Sustainable Community Planning (SCP) have evolved substantially in the last few decades, turning it from an abstract notion into a comprehensive and beneficial planning approach. This course reviews a broad spectrum of the more effective approaches currently being utilized to convert basic SCP principles into practical projects around the world. The review includes numerous links to the sources of these tools and approaches and includes background on a number of international projects.

 1.0 hour

Phenolic panels are a versatile building material for both interior wall coverings and exterior cladding, and are ideal wherever both durability and appearance are important. This course explains how the manufacturing process imparts a wide range of performance attributes to phenolic panels, discusses their role in sustainable design, and presents the diverse array of applications that benefit from the strength and beauty of phenolic wall panels.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click to view details.

 1 hour

Critical to the longevity of any tile installation is the use of the appropriate membrane. This course delves into the types of membranes used to waterproof ceramic and stone tile installations and compares them in terms of performance and durability, ease of installation, control of variables, and function.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click to view details.

 1.0 hour

Their cost, flexibility, and relative ease of installation are just a few of the reasons why single-ply roofing membranes have seen a growth in popularity over the years. With a focus on commercial roofing systems, this course explores the drawbacks of traditional asphaltic roofing, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of single-ply roofing systems and their attachment technologies.

 1 hour

Open walls embody the true essence of indoor-outdoor living. This program explores large opening glass wall systems, their LEED® contributions, and how they lend themselves to sustainable design. The course focuses on: their benefits and applications; door types; door system components; and selection and installation considerations.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click to view details.

 1.0 hour

With the increasing prominence of glass in new buildings and retrofit projects, the use of window film can raise the style, performance, and safety of today’s building projects. This course examines the use of various types of window film, (decorative, solar control, and safety/security) and their role in improving occupant comfort and safety, lowering energy costs, and enhancing privacy.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click to view details.

 1.0 hour

In recent years, demand has increased for better noise control in multi-family construction driven mainly by consumer demands and stricter enforcement of existing codes. Residential noise control is a key component of design as it affects occupant privacy and well-being. This course reviews the dynamics of sound, how sound moves through buildings, and the architectural techniques used to control airborne, structure-borne, and flanking noise transmission in multi-family buildings.

 1.0 hour

Concrete has been a reliable, durable, sustainable construction material for many thousands of years. Moisture movement through and within concrete, however, has always been a concern for the design/build community. In this course, we will discuss how specification of one performance requirement—discontinuous capillary concrete—contributes to sustainability by: minimizing waste of energy, water, and materials; maximizing value by efficient use of new, reused, and renewable resources; protecting occupant health, and eliminating non-value added project costs and activities.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click to view details.

 1 hour

Personal storage locker installations are designed to meet the personal storage needs of many industries and facility types. Personal storage locker installations are designed to meet the personal storage needs of many industries and facility types. They are not only used to securely store personal belongings, but due to their design flexibility and size, they are also used to secure equipment and tools, parcels, supplies, and controlled products. This course discusses the required design elements of an accessible, ADA compliant locker or personal storage area, with a focus on ease of use, style, lock management, and applicable 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

 1.0 hour

Quartz surfacing material is one of the most durable products in the market today. While there are many surfacing options available, such as natural stone, acrylic solid surface, ceramic, concrete, and laminate, none offer the flexibility, strength and endless design possibilities as a quartz surface. This course will examine the characteristics, attributes, and manufacturing processes involved with quartz surfaces. A comparison of other surfacing options will be discussed, as well as using quartz surfaces in healthcare system applications.

 1 hour

Sustainability seeks to balance resource efficiency, health, and social concerns throughout the life cycle of a structure. Concrete has a variety of benefits to offer in achieving this goal. This course examines the environmental impacts of building with concrete along with a discussion of the features of reflective and decorative concrete floors and their role in a sustainable building strategy. As well, we present a review of the best practices and specification considerations that are required to facilitate a successful concrete floor installation.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click to view details.

 1 hour

Wood is the only carbon-negative, sustainable building product there is. Using more wood and wood-based products for interior and exterior applications can help to lower carbon emissions and combat climate change. This course discusses the benefits of using wood, identifies what sustainable hardwood species are the most abundant and where some of the best managed, certified hardwood forests are located, and compares the physical and performance properties of European beech to eight other temperate hardwoods.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click to view details.

 1.0 hour

A new generation of precision woven fabrics is being introduced to the architectural community. This course explores a new form of exterior fabric membrane that allows for entirely new forms and functionalities in permanent static or kinetic fabric constructions; a VOC-free modular ceiling system made from photometrically and acoustically optimized precision fabric; and a new composite facade material made from a combination of glass, fabric and metal to reduce solar gain, glare, and improve interior environments. Design and application possibilities and the functional and sustainable benefits provided by each innovation are explored through video and photographic documentation of exemplary real-world projects incorporating the products.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click to view details.

 1.5 hour

Today’s louvers are not only functional but offer enhanced architectural design to the façade of many buildings. More than just a hole in a wall, louvers are responsible for reducing or eliminating water infiltration, and offer protection from heavy storms and hurricanes. Different types of louvers and their applications will be discussed in this course as well as specific terminology and AMCA/BSRIA testing procedures and certified rating programs.

 1 hour

The increased use of the harnessing of atomic energy and increased industrial and medical use of x-rays have brought about the challenges of controlling the powerful radiation emitted. In this course, we look at the basics of radiation protection, as well as discussions on the types, characteristics, and specification considerations of various radiation shielding products.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click to view details.

 1 hour

Healthy urban trees contribute not only to our environment; they also contribute to our communities. As we create metropolitan landscapes, we need to address the health and well-being of tree. This is crucial to the legacy that we pass on to future generations. This course examines the factors that affect the health of urban tree environments, including the climatic conditions of the project site, tree planting techniques, and the use of architectural hardscape amenities.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click to view details.

 1 hour

Gas fireplaces offer a green, environmentally friendly heating solution for the modern era, with high efficiency ratings and contemporary designs that don’t sacrifice form for function. This course offers an overview of contemporary fireplace styles, options, venting, and installation, with a focus on cool wall technology and how it allows electronics and other design elements to be safely mounted over a fireplace.

 1 hour

There is an almost limitless variety of forms an aluminum extrusion can take, and design flexibility allows a great deal of functionality to be designed into extruded components. This course discusses the characteristics, technical information, and benefits of aluminum extrusions used as a building material, with a focus on whole building design, sustainability, and application possibilities.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click to view details.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of walkable roof deck membranes and includes discussions on: system characteristics, components, and installation; moisture management: deflection and drainage; design considerations; and how to specify roof deck membrane systems.

 1.0 hour

Currently, buildings are the single biggest contributor to GHG emissions, accounting for roughly half of all energy consumption in the US and globally. It is crucial to reduce this level of consumption by including high performance envelope strategies like shading systems, in all new building designs. In this course, we will look at shading systems, examine shading and design strategies, and learn tips for successful selection and design.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click to view details.

 1.0 hour

The methods for mitigating thermal bridging often mean a break in not only in thermal continuity but also structural continuity, leading to complex structural solutions. This course discusses a new take on fluid-applied thermal coatings for use as thermal breaks. It looks at how they are proving to be an innovative solution to minimize thermal bridging in both new and existing buildings, provides case studies and research showing their effectiveness and cost savings over traditional thermal break materials.

 1 hour

Electrical devices impact the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants, so proper specification is critical. This courses looks at electrical devices and the safety issues associated with them. The course includes discussions on the features of duplex receptacles, hospital grade receptacles, GFCIs and other electrical devices, and also discusses updated UL requirements and NEC codes.

 1.5 hour

Over time a color pattern has developed through the historic events, society, arts, and technology that shape each decade. A correlation can be drawn between the happenings and the prevalent colors for every decade through periods of rest and periods of upheaval. This course illustrates how the use of color can express our individuality and culture, and how the past can inspire us with fresh ideas for using color in the present. Highlighting the prevalent colors of more than ten decades, this course also looks at the societal, political, technological and cultural influences which impacted and defined the personality of each decade.

 1.0 hour

People spend more than 90% of their time indoors; incorporating sunrooms, conservatories, greenhouses and/or other glass structures into homes or workplaces can be an effective way to reap the benefits of daylight. The positive impacts of incorporating more natural light into your lifestyle can be seen through energy savings, increase of productivity, and improvement of overall well-being. This presentation will also review strategies and design options to create unique overhead structures, standing structures, and vertical glazing systems that are energy efficient, comfortable, and functional.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of evolving green/energy codes and their impact on the specification of aluminum extrusion-based building components; presents alternative thermal management technologies and illustrates how aluminum extrusions can contribute to “green” commercial structures. Note: This course is not intended to be a primer on aluminum extrusions. Basic information about extrusions and the extrusion process can be found in the course “Aluminum Extrusions.”

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click to view details.