Green facades can contribute to building energy efficiency, durability, aesthetic value, sustainability, and cost effectiveness in the performance of ecological system services. This course examines the considerations required for successful green facade installations and includes discussions on system selection, design, plant selection, maintenance, and client/owner education.

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

Provides an overview of how designers and engineers have moved from their basic 2D environment into a highly intelligent, collaborative world based in the cloud. Design, construction, and building maintenance will never be the same.

Multifamily Group R construction has traditionally been access controlled by means of pin and tumbler mechanical locks. With the migration to electronic access control locks, it can be complicated to understand how to comply with building and fire codes. This course attempts to demystify electronic access control by addressing the basic components, important terms, and design and code considerations, and concludes with a look at a case study.

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

As urban areas become denser, land values increase, and the demand for space becomes more challenging, developers are seeking alternative, innovative approaches to parking cars that allow a project to proceed while meeting all parking and sustainability requirements. Automated parking systems, parking lifts, and multilevel car stackers provide multiple benefits for developments, car parking operations, and vehicle storage facilities. High-density parking systems can help to maximize ROI with a reduced parking footprint and better building flow; reduce construction costs and operational overheads; and improve safety, security, and sustainability. This course explains the types of high-density parking systems, their sustainable advantages, and design considerations.

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

Building owners value daylighting and views but face security and safety challenges with large amounts of glazing. Thermoplastic sheet products offer a variety of glazing solutions that resist security threats while providing transparency, strength, and durability. This course introduces the grades and characteristics of acrylic and polycarbonate sheet products and discusses how they meet the requirements for protection against forced entry and ballistics.

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

The role of a fire-rated door is to maintain the integrity of a fire-rated enclosure in the event of a fire, giving building occupants enough time to exit the burning building. This course is an introduction to fire-rated doors and a general review of the fire codes that relate to fire doors and hardware, referencing 2012, 2015, and 2018 IBC; NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) regulations; and the ADAAG (Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines).

Unfortunately, gun violence is a reality, and design strategies must be employed to ensure a suitable level of protection and safety. This course addresses bullet-resistant fiberglass composite panels and the need for architectural armoring. The course discusses ballistic material testing and standards, the types of ballistic materials available, and fiberglass composite panel applications and installation considerations.

Les consommateurs milléniaux sont déterminés à faire des choix d’achat durables sur le plan environnemental. Mais qu’est-ce qui rend un produit véritablement durable? Ce cours présente des données qui indiquent que les panneaux décoratifs en bois composite (TFL) et d’autres produits faits de résidus de fibre de bois font partie des matériaux de construction les plus durables sur le marché. Ce cours aborde la gestion des forêts, les propriétés qui font les panneaux décoratifs en bois composite (TFL) affichent un bilan climatique positif, l’efficacité associée au processus de fabrication des panneaux et les critères et processus associés à la certification environnementale.

The modular steel form system is a faster, safer, and higher-quality alternative to conventional cast-in-place, precast, and masonry methods of core construction. Presented here are the system benefits related to low risk, safety, scheduling, cost, and ease of construction. Also discussed are the design and material responsibilities and considerations for the system manufacturer, specifying professionals, and contractors. Guidance is provided on loads, connections, and reinforcement, and the installation process is outlined.

Single-ply membranes, along with their installation methodologies, have evolved to best meet the roofing needs of today’s low-sloped commercial buildings. This course reviews the most prevalent membranes and describes the advantages and disadvantages of EPDM, PVC, and TPO. An overview of attachment methods is presented as well as a discussion of single-ply system strength, cool roof benefits, and condensation issues from a building science perspective.

Throughout history, concrete mixes and carved natural stone have combined to create substance, beauty, and longevity in our architecture. Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) was created to ensure that the attributes of concrete and stone continue to be enjoyed but with efficiency in the application that is expected in today's world of design. This course covers the creation of GFRC, its components, fabrication, applications, and design capabilities. It compares GFRC to other types of architectural concrete and presents GFRC performance and sustainable design advantages.

Coil and extrusion coating systems are ideal for exterior architectural applications. They provide unique, sustainable, and durable protection for metal roof and wall panel systems. This course explains the different coating types and application methods and identifies how metal coatings can contribute to a building’s energy efficiency and mitigate the heat island effect. Living Building Challenge and LEED® programs are examined and compared, and various case studies are discussed.

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

As some of the earliest building materials, masonry and concrete have been used for their durability and strength. However, masonry architecture, both historical and contemporary, has been left vulnerable to water—the single most damaging element to masonry in our environment. This course identifies common water-related problems for masonry and concrete, describes protective treatments that increase masonry durability, and explains the process for safely selecting and applying a protective treatment.

Custom window products include a range of products, from truly one-of-a-kind fabrications to customizable components. This course takes a detailed look at what design options are available to the architect in premium and luxury window products. Installation and performance issues pertaining to large window combinations are also discussed, as well as recommended solutions and mitigation strategies for structural and water infiltration challenges.

Dual-flush wall-mounted toilets help create modern, stylish bathrooms that strike a balance between sustainable water efficiency, flexible design, and space savings. This course compares this style with other traditional types of toilets, discusses how wall-mounted toilets benefit commercial and residential users, and explains how they satisfy the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other accessibility and building code requirements.

Not all types of storage lockers are the same, and each facility application calls for its own specifications. There are many different requirements to consider for locker selection. This course reviews the functional and operational needs of users in health and fitness centers, schools, athletic team locker rooms, medical facilities, industrial and manufacturing sectors, and law enforcement facilities. The features and components of metal, wood, phenolic, and plastic lockers are discussed, and guidelines are presented for specifying the right locker solution for user needs.

Commercial building interiors see all kinds of wear and tear on a daily basis. Various forms of wall protection can combat this wear and tear to help extend the longevity of a space, maintain a clean look, and cut down on maintenance costs. This course discusses the different wall protection products available, how to identify which wall protection products fit certain applications, and which building codes apply to these products.

Millions of Americans live with impairments that substantially limit major life activities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in mainstream living by mandating that public facilities and services be fully accessible to people with disabilities. This course examines the accessible elements of a multiuser toilet room. Discussed are toilet room compliance with applicable accessibility codes and regulations relating to access, use, maneuverability, and safety, and accessible design issues associated with toilet compartment and lavatory accessories.

Sliding door systems not only save room but also offer users expanded flexibility in how a space functions, providing more or less privacy, circulation, or intimacy with a simple movement. Smooth-working and reliable sliding door hardware ensures that users of all abilities can operate the doors and that the system will perform as intended over its lifetime. This course presents the types of sliding door systems and outlines their suitability for applications ranging from residential to commercial, healthcare, hospitality, and more. A review of system components, specialty systems, and case studies provides guidance on how to choose and install the right system to best meet user needs.

Wood is both beautiful and practical but lacks long-term durability when used outdoors. Modified woods change the material properties of the wood at the molecular level to improve its weathering capabilities. This course discusses one type of modification: acetylation. We discuss the process, its impact on wood performance, the life cycle impact of acetylated wood, and how and where this type of wood can be used.

 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.

Animals, plants, and microbes are engineers of what works and lasts on earth. Biomimicry is a practice in which nature’s designs, patterns, and strategies are examined to find sustainable solutions to our technical and design problems. This course discusses how applying the concepts of biomimicry can better connect our designs and buildings with nature and examines the relationship between nature’s solutions to light, heat, glare control, and shading design principles.

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

Commercial aluminum wall, window, and roof systems have undergone improvements in recent decades, making them technologically sufficient to meet contemporary standards of durability. In addition to being familiar with the systems’ thermal and other ecological benefits, specifiers need to understand paint chemistry and the difference between powder and liquid coating application methods. It is also important to understand third-party specifications published by AAMA, which cover architectural coatings.

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

(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.

From classrooms to boardrooms to living rooms, hanging display systems enhance spaces and provide design freedom. This course examines wall hanging systems with a focus on integrating systems in the overall design of a project and includes discussions on system elements, selection criteria, specialty applications, and sustainable design.