Provides an overview of snow retention systems, including components of both pad and bar types, features, installation, and layout.

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

Kitchens have evolved, and so has the role of refrigeration in the home, and there are a variety of factors that are contributing to this change. This course examines the social, economic, and demographic trends that are stimulating the reimagining of the kitchen space. The latest trends in kitchen design are discussed, as is the role of modular refrigeration—a key design element in the creation of functional spaces that reflect the changing domestic landscape.

In this course, you will learn about strategies for supplying lab vacuum in STEM facilities. Relative strengths and weaknesses are considered. Emphasis is placed on the specification, design, and installation of local vacuum networks. Brief case studies are used to demonstrate the suitability of local vacuum networks for a wide range of project types—renovation and new construction; teaching labs and research labs; and single labs to entire lab buildings.

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

Provides an overview of preventing and managing moisture in walls.

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

Le choix d'un revêtement isolant est l'un des facteurs les plus déterminants au prolongement du cycle de vie d'un bâtiment. En présentant des avantages tels que l'efficacité énergétique et le respect du code, l'isolant en mousse de polyuréthane giclée est le choix idéal pour de nombreuses applications intérieures et extérieures. Ce cours porte sur les isolants en mousse de polyuréthane giclée à faible densité et de densité moyenne, leurs caractéristiques, les critères de conception, ainsi que l'analyse du cycle de vie pour les applications commerciales.

Deck structures provide neat and sturdy living spaces that mirror interior conveniences while set in the ultimate, great outdoors. Choosing the right deck board for a specific project requires considering the size of the project, its location, and local climate conditions. This course discusses the performance characteristics and benefits of using multi-layer, cellular PVC decking—a durable decking material that replicates the unique beauty of exotic hardwood.

This course outlines the attributes, functions, benefits, limits, and acoustic qualities of composite deck slabs. It reviews the three primary types of composite systems that represent the full range of long-span composite floor systems and examines the criteria for their selection, design, and engineering. In addition, it provides a comprehensive range of industry standards and resources that a designer could consult to ensure, at a minimum, compliance with all building regulations and industry standards.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

The demand for high-performance, durable, energy-efficient buildings has led to building envelope designs that incorporate greater amounts of combustible material in cladding, insulation, and weather-resistive barriers. Understanding how to meet both sustainability challenges and code requirements can be a complex and confusing process. Beginning with the history of NFPA 285, this course presents an overview of the test method and fire code in relation to various building envelope materials, with particular attention given to metal composite materials ( MCMs).

NFPA 285 is a fire test for wall assemblies in noncombustible buildings that are wrapped in combustible materials. This course explains the NFPA 285 test method, its origin, its procedures, when it is required by the International Building Code, its relevance to ASHRAE 90.1 criteria for continuous insulation and air/water resistive barriers, and design considerations necessary for test compliance. Key combustible wall assembly layers such as insulation, air/water resistive barriers, and exterior cladding options are also discussed.

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

One of the most important concepts behind biophilia is the “urge to affiliate with other forms of life” (E.O. Wilson). Humans are connected to nature, inspired by nature, and desire to be harmonized with nature. This course discusses the main principles of biophilic design and explains how a connection with nature benefits human well-being, increases classroom performance, and reduces stress. Multiple case studies demonstrating the positive benefits of daylight and views on building occupants are discussed, and applications of biophilic design are examined.

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

In harvesting cork, the tree is not cut down and not damaged, making cork a rapidly renewable resource. Along with the use of recycled content and low VOC adhesives the use of cork flooring has low environmental and human health impacts. This course looks at the sustainability of natural cork flooring, both glue-down tiles and floating floor options, including discussions on performance characteristics, aesthetics and installation procedures.

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

Acrylic solid surface is an attractive design solution, delivering enhanced aesthetics combined with superior properties. This course provides an overview of the characteristics of 100% Acrylic Solid Surface compared to other surface materials, and the driving factors that contribute to its growing role in sustainable design strategies. Also discussed are the manufacturing, fabricating, and thermoformable processes of 100% Acrylic Solid Surface and the related green standards and certification programs.

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

In recent years, demand has increased for better noise control in multifamily 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 is transmitted through buildings, and the architectural techniques used to control airborne, structureborne, and flanking noise transmission in multifamily buildings.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

Within building spaces, noise can be reduced by using materials or assemblies that mitigate the transmission or isolate the sound. To do this it is important to understand how sound moves through building materials and partitions and the impact of sound mitigation products. In this course we look at the basics of sound, techniques, and products to prevent sound transmission.

Composite construction utilizes dissimilar materials to exploit the benefits of each. While composite construction in general has been used extensively for several decades, open-web composite joist construction is now becoming a more popular choice through new and innovative solutions. This course presents the components and benefits of composite joist systems, addresses connector types and layouts, and offers specification tips and design considerations.

Operable wall systems integrate the indoors and outdoors and define interior spaces, providing flexibility and additional usable area without increasing a building’s footprint. Occupants benefit from expansive daylighting and views as well as quick access to fresh air. This course describes the types of operable wall systems, how they contribute to sustainable design, and the various options and considerations for selecting the correct system.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

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

In response to steadily growing demands for more and more storage capacity and the costs and energy required to implement that storage, data center design is now focusing on solutions that conserve energy, materials, money, and space. This course explores the current influences that directly or indirectly affect energy usage and management, the resulting trends in data center development, and how containment strategies enable designers to optimize energy efficiency and create facilities with minimal environmental footprints.

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

Research indicates that the quality of light directly affects the quality of life in a space; access to daylight and outdoor views promotes happiness and productivity. Reviewed in this course are the features of polycarbonate sheeting systems and how they contribute to energy-efficient daylighting design, as well as the overall health and well-being of the building occupants.

Prerequisites:No

Course Level:Introductory

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

While aluminum frames allow large glazed areas to maximize daylighting for energy savings and health benefits, aluminum is also a highly conductive material. This course explores how thermal barriers and high performance glazing serve as a solution to aluminum’s conductive properties, to help achieve daylighting and thermal efficiencies in the commercial building envelope.

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

Throughout history, human desire to communicate, tell stories, and to express cultural identity, gives us a glimpse at the need for early use and creation of pigments. Creating color was, and still is, an art. Its history is one of discovery, wealth, power, religion, trade, and science. This course discusses the origins and evolution of color pigments by looking at historical civilizations and time periods.

(Canadian Version) Throughout history, our human desire to communicate, tell stories, and to express cultural identity, gives us a glimpse at the need for early use and creation of pigments. Creating colour was, and still is, an art. Its history is one of discovery, wealth, power, religion, trade, and science. This course discusses the origins and evolution of colour pigments by looking at historical civilizations and time periods.

This course reviews the trends in outdoor amenity spaces in hospitality, commercial, and multifamily developments with a focus on the use of stainless steel cabinetry in outdoor kitchen design. Included are discussions on outdoor kitchen components, mobile food and beverage service carts, and the post and panel system developed for multifamily applications.

Over the past few decades, exterior building spaces and roofs have significantly transformed from utilitarian ballasted roof systems to roof systems with highly programmed, environmentally conscious, people-friendly amenities that promote healthier lifestyles. A variety of products and materials can be utilized in the design and construction of roof gardens and decks. This course will review the construction of basic types of roof systems, as well as the range of hardscaping products that are available to designers.

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

Obesity rates in the U.S. have reached epic numbers and correlate to significant health and economic impacts. Outdoor obstacle courses in public green spaces can provide appealing, effective, and free training equipment to the community to help increase physical activity. Review the theories of obstacle course training and guidelines for their design and installation.

Selecting outdoor kitchen cabinetry and appliances that meet a client’s needs and budget, and that address climate concerns can be challenging. This course explores the design of safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor kitchen and living areas, and presents the various types of cabinetry available, with a focus on stainless steel as a positive alternative for cabinetry. Included is a synopsis of outdoor kitchen design principles and considerations.