1 hour

From schools to shopping malls and movie theaters, we’ve become accustomed to over air-conditioned spaces – a design habit that is wasteful not just from a business perspective, but from an environmental one too. Meanwhile, air movement has been relegated to a mere alternative means of cooling. By reconsidering the relationship between air conditioning and elevated air speed, design professionals can affect meaningful change in building sustainability and comfort. The innovative HVAC design strategy that pairs traditional air conditioning with energy-efficient air movement permits a substantial offset of necessary HVAC capacity and likewise improves air quality by ensuring fresh air reaches the occupant breathing zone. After construction is complete, the incorporation of air movement allows a reduction in energy consumption, as end-users can raise the thermostat setpoint without sacrificing comfort. This presentation will review recent changes to ASHRAE Standards 55 and 90.1 which substantiate the impact of elevated air speed, and will explore benefits of this innovative HVAC design strategy.

 1 hour

As we move increasingly towards market viable net-zero buildings with initiatives like ASHRAE Vision 2020 and the 2030 Challenge, we must reevaluate the role that typical building components play in a facility’s energy efficiency. ASHRAE 55 has highlighted the impact of elevated air speed on thermal comfort, and in recent years innovative designs have reestablished air movement as an integral part of occupant comfort and energy conservation. Furthermore, recent changes to Appendix G of ASHRAE 90.1 allow the inclusion of energy savings from using elevated air speed in energy simulations. When integrated into new building designs, air movement allows a reduction of air conditioning capacity and ductwork. In the winter, low speed air circulation redirects heated air trapped at the ceiling, resulting in significant energy savings. Project teams working on net-zero buildings have proven the effectiveness of incorporating air movement in building plans as part of an integrated design strategy.

 1 hour

Discover the innovative new ways fabric shade structures are being used in commercial architecture and public spaces and what lies ahead for the future of shade.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of aluminum extrusion coatings and includes discussions on the aluminum extrusion process; a comparison of powder and liquid coatings; an overview of the chrome and the chrome-free pretreatment processes; and, the performance objectives of AAMA testing standards.

 1 hour

 1 hour

Course will describe the effects of air movement and condensation issues in the roof system. It will also cover energy codes emerging and how air and vapor barriers fit into the new codes

 1 hour

Addresses technical issues regarding laminate. Learn basic installation procedures, as well as, how to avoid typical installation-related problems. Explore common and surprising uses of laminate, including when not to use laminate.

 1 hour

Presents key advances in materials technology that create the opportunity for interior space designs to play an important role in reducing the risk of infection transmission within healthcare and allied environments.

 1 hour

This course covers the fundamentals of quartz surfacing including its performance attributes vs. alternative products and typical applications in commercial environments. The course provides an overview of typical production, testing and quality-assurance processes in the quartz surfacing industry. Additional topics include the process and professionals involved in the supply chain, from raw material to the end consumer or project, as well as best practices in fabrication and installation of quartz surfacing.

 1 hour

This course defines TFL panel and HPL products and how they are made. It explains the performance differences between TFL and HPL and the implications of those variations. The course provides guidance on appropriate uses of each product. Lastly, the course discusses the importance of the quality of match between HPL, TFL and edgebanding.

 1 hour

Explores inspiration and trends in surfacing. It demonstrates how laminate is used as a decorative surface in interiors.

 1 hour

Learn how High Pressure Decorative Laminate (HPDL) is made while touring Wilsonart's manufacturing plant in Temple, TX or Fletcher, NC. This 60-minute tour will teach participants the impact Lean Manufacturing principles have on process improvement, waste management, energy consumption, and employee health. The safety measures engineered into the processes that create a safe work environment will be reviewed. Lastly, the integrated systems that create efficient operations contributing to the sustainable value of HPDL will be revealed.

 1 hour

Today's architects and designers have hundreds of choices when it comes to architectural glass for interior and exterior applications. Architects, designers, and owners are continually looking for ways to make their buildings stand out and be distinct. Architectural decorative glass continues to lead the way in architectural design. Glass entrances and facades, glass floors and ceilings, frameless glass walls, glass balustrades for staircases, glass entrances, glass telephone kiosks and bus shelters, shower doors, partitions in sports arenas - all these are examples of areas where architectural decorative glass can play a major design role without sacrificing performance. This course will examine the use of architectural decorative glass in both interior and exterior applications. Addressing how the performance, safety, and sustainable design can be incorporated by the choice of decorative glass.

 1 hour

This course will discuss how air movement can be incorporated into educational spaces, whether during the initial design process or as a component of a renovation. It will specifically examine air movement in gyms, classrooms and libraries, and will address pre-cooling, air quality, noise levels and how to effectively control comfort in spaces like auditoriums that experience periods of high and low capacity. You’ll also learn how air movement can contribute to earning points in green ratings systems like LEED and CHPS.

 1 hour

Learn how color choices and design impact an aging demographics.

 1 hour

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 hour

Provides an overview of the value of home elevators, planning for home elevator installation, and code considerations.

 1 hour

Understand the powerful emotional impact the 9 most influential colors has on our subconscious and our lives.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of how sustainable restroom design can address the global concerns of water shortages and the impacts of the building sector on our environment. This program identifies the newest technologies in high-efficiency restroom fixtures including how to choose water-saving products and the practical, economic, and environmental benefits of high-speed, energy-efficient hand dryers versus paper towels. Also included is an in-depth analysis of how these products earn points toward LEED v4 credits and other green building standards to comply with new, best practices in green building.

 1 hour

Discuss the materials and envrionmental aspects of ACM. Differentiate between the common types of ACM systems. Understand the benefits of ACM to learn where and how it can be utilized.

 1 hour

Education course focusing on the benefits of high gloss materials and illuminated surfaces for sustainable design used within interior spaces.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of resilient flooring options for the healthcare industry and includes discussions on industry requirements, types of products available, product properties and specifications.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of optimizing commercial fenestration with thermal barriers and high performance glazing in aluminum window framing to maximize daylighting and thermal efficiencies in the building envelope.

 1 hour

Basic introduction to trash, recycling and linen chute systems including NFPA and industry standard information.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the basic characteristics of concrete as a floor substrate; floor coating types and selection of appropriate materials; proper coating application and importance of preliminary inspection and surface preparation.