Our planet has a constant amount of water and a rapidly increasing population, meaning water must be used efficiently. This course takes a look at water and stormwater management at the site, neighborhood and watershed levels and various methods of conservation and water quality management. We’ll look at the basics of our natural water cycle and how it is impacted by population. Finally, we’ll review some examples of water and stormwater management plans.

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Fallingwater, named the best all time work of architecture by AIA members in 1991, started experiencing problems shortly after construction. A novel structural system combined with constant interaction with water meant that, in order to maintain this national treasure, major restoration would be required. This course reviews the issues experienced by the building and the path to restoration that was taken.

PVC membranes have been used in roofing systems as a waterproofing material for over 40 years. Starting out as an adhesive to attach rubber to metal sheets, PVC’s production technology quickly advanced, making the product more usable. From fabric coatings to wire insulation to roofing membranes, the uses for PVC continued to evolve. This course discusses the history of PVC and the role PVC, KEE, and KEE HP play in the roofing membrane industry today. Various installation methods are discussed and the benefits of using PVC in roofing systems are examined.

The importance of the building envelope in improving energy efficiency and building performance has been well established. The many envelope products and systems now available, along with a considerable amount of (mis)information as to their usage, make it difficult for designers to make choices that avoid costly building failures. This course explores in detail proper product selection, performance characteristics, applicable codes, testing procedures, best practices, and tie-in details for air and vapor barriers that will ensure a continuous air seal and a high-performance envelope.