Northwest Territories Association of Architects

The Northwest Territories Association of Architects is mandated by the Architects Act to regulate the practice of architecture, govern the profession, and establish and maintain standards of knowledge, skill, care and professional ethics among authorized practitioners to serve and protect the interests of the public.

Click to Learn More About the Northwest Territories Association of Architects

Visit www.nwtaa.ca and Join Now!

Displaying 76 - 100 of 627 results.

FIRST PREV [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] [126-150] NEXT LAST


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Firestopping is more than installing sealant in an opening. It is a critical component of a building’s overall life-safety system. This course discusses how a properly installed firestop system not only protects property but, more importantly, also saves lives by inhibiting the spread of fire from compartment to compartment and buying valuable time for occupants to exit the structure in the event of a catastrophic fire.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Architectural canopies are versatile additions to a wide variety of commercial buildings and serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. They can highlight entrances, create visual interest, support signs and lights, and offer protection from snow, rain, and sun. This course examines canopy types, styles, materials, finishes, and wall attachment considerations and offers guidance on how to select the right system for a project. Case studies demonstrate how canopies can assist in solving common building design challenges.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Embodied carbon represents a significant portion of the building industry’s carbon footprint; it is essential to utilize low-carbon construction processes and materials now, before the tipping point of the climate crisis is reached. This course discusses the use of LCAs and EPDs as tools to measure the carbon footprint and environmental impacts of building products and how architects and designers can utilize them to make sustainable choices in the design stages of a project. The course also looks at the growing relevance of EPDs in policies and green building standards, such as the Building Design and Construction rating systems of LEED® v4.1 and the upcoming LEED v5.


  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Over time, urban parks and other open landscaped areas are being lost to development. One solution to mitigate this issue is to reconsider undeveloped areas such as building roofs to create green amenity spaces. Amenity decks can provide some alleviation of lost green space, while affording developers the potential to monetize underutilized spaces in their buildings and provide an advantage over older buildings to attract tenants.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The availability of parking and the time it takes to park a vehicle are major challenges when designing a new development. Parking garages typically require big volumes and are not efficient with land use. Automated parking can practically reduce parking space, while providing the same (sometimes more) number of parking stalls as a conventional garage. It also improves the user experience, providing a valet parking experience, just without the valet.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Good building envelope design provides a weathertight and insulated structure. However, additional attachments are often required for safety, aesthetic, or functional reasons. This course discusses the design and installation of snow retention systems and mounting systems for solar panels that maintain roof integrity, contribute to a long-lasting building envelope system, and support solar energy and safety.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Some roof underlayments can trap moisture, degrade insulation performance, and create excessive condensation accumulation. Breathable, self-adhering roof underlayments enhance the drying capacity of the roofing assembly and therefore improve roofing performance. This course investigates current developments in these easy-to-install, vapor-permeable roof underlayments that mitigate water intrusion, reduce long-term exposure to wetted substrates, and extend the life of the overall structure. The course concludes with several sample installations.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Efficient water use and conservation are key parts of sustainable development. Toilets account for the greatest water usage within a residential home (typically 30 percent). Dual-flush toilets are an option to reduce water usage by up to 20 percent while meeting the LEED® v4 Water Efficiency requirements. This toilet option can also be incorporated into accessible bathrooms and use touchless flush plates. The most attractive feature of the dual-flush toilet is that it does not require significant behavioral changes for benefits to be realized.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Architectural insulated metal panels (IMPs) are an increasingly popular choice for building developers and architects, presenting a compelling solution that combines functionality, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. This course reviews the architectural IMP, its applications and benefits, and comparisons to other materials. It explores current trends and developments that are paving the way for increased aesthetic possibilities and building envelope performance.


  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    The growth of EV (electric vehicle) adoption is accelerating and the behavior of EV drivers is increasing the demand for electric vehicle charging stations. This education course explains the different types of charging available and their suitable applications, and discusses the planning and installation considerations for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    What is wastewater energy recovery and how does it apply to the future of energy efficiency and decarbonization? In this course, we will explore how this previously overlooked source of energy loss from buildings can be utilized to endlessly recover and recycle energy within projects ranging from individual multifamily residential buildings to commercial and industrial applications and even to district energy networks. Wastewater heat recovery and transfer technologies used in small- and large-scale applications are also discussed, with case studies showcasing the practical applications and garnered benefits.


  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    The US has the highest incarceration rate in the world, and with recidivism rates as high as 75% within five years, the prospects for released inmates are dim. There is no simple solution to these issues, but one approach is to focus on rehabilitation to help inmates reintegrate successfully into society upon release. This course looks at the role evidence-based building design can play in a rehabilitative environment that promotes healing, autonomy, and growth. Design strategies are presented with a focus on ADA-compliant, ligature-resistant plumbing products and water management systems that support a clean, safe, secure, rehabilitative environment.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Although known for being a strong and versatile building material, there are a number of factors that affect the sustainability of concrete, and a variety of measures that can be taken to increase its durability and extend its service life, thus protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the users. This course discusses the environmental impact of concrete and some of the main causes of concrete deterioration, and examines how crystalline waterproofing technology can be employed to increase the durability and sustainability of concrete.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Slate has been used for centuries as a long-lasting building material, and its natural beauty is unsurpassed. Today, rainscreen cladding systems have been developed to adapt natural slate to new architectural demands for sustainable building design approaches. This course explores the energy efficiency and moisture management benefits of a rainscreen system in combination with the durability and versatility of slate. The different designs and fastening systems are reviewed, and case studies demonstrate the advantages and possibilities for sustainable and beautiful slate projects.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Stairs are an essential component of a movement and wayfinding strategy in a structure and a primary means of egress, exit, and floor-to-floor access in the event of a fire or emergency for buildings with multiple floors or a change in rise. This course discusses stair and egress system design and evaluates why the design and fabrication of pre-engineered steel stairs create safe stair environments that comply with building codes.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Modular systems are designed around individual components that can be joined together to configure a seamless and personalized space solution. This course discusses the key design principles and benefits of modular design along with strategies for successfully incorporating modularity into a bathroom design.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Traditional and modern, linear direct vent gas fireplaces safely provide supplemental heat while preserving indoor air quality. The course explores gas fireplace venting systems and heater- and decorative-rated fireplace options, electric fireplace options, functions, aesthetics, and applications. Also discussed are innovative technologies that enhance performance, applicable codes and standards, safety requirements and precautions, and size considerations.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Radon is a colorless, odorless gas, a Class A carcinogen, the leading cause of cancer after smoking, and the leading cause of death for nonsmokers. It is found in soil, rock, and groundwater. If radon enters a home through slabs, basements, and crawl spaces, breathing it can lead to illness or even death. This course examines how the gas travels through soil and into structures and the various interception approaches and materials that can be utilized to prevent entry into inhabited spaces. It also highlights building code requirements and language that can assist with ensuring the correct radon interception systems are designed and installed effectively.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Parking in buildings can be challenging to design because of space constraints. Automated parking lets architects design better buildings by maximizing parking capacity, using fewer resources, and providing a better parking experience for users. This course explains the different types of automated parking, their benefits and limitations, and what to consider when choosing automated parking for a project.


  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Soft flooring has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years due to its aesthetics, lower costs, durability, and ease of care. This course discusses how to create the optimal soft flooring system through proper substrate and surface preparation.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Daylighting is the controlled admission of natural light into a building. It takes into consideration both direct and diffuse sunlight and reduces use of electric light, thereby decreasing energy costs. By controlling daylight, solar heat gain can be minimized, lowering the demand on HVAC systems. This course evaluates a variety of daylighting strategies for commercial applications and includes discussions about the relevance of daylight factor calculations and the impact fabric characteristics have on a shading solution.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The spread of smoke in mid- and high-rise building fires is recognized as a major threat to the safety of the building occupants and responding fire personnel and the effectiveness of firefighting operations. This course explains how smoke migrates in a multistory building fire and discusses how building codes have evolved to address this danger and why they mandate smoke containment in specific areas of a structure. Product applications and assemblies designed to meet building code requirements and limit vertical smoke migration via elevator hoistways and lobbies are examined.


  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

    Engineering analysis is a necessary tool to provide fire protection and safety for our buildings. The exponential number of wall assembly combinations and detailing of enclosure assemblies in the built environment prevent the opportunity to confirm fire performance through direct testing. This is especially true with the required investment of time, effort, and cost for larger-scale tests such as NFPA 285. Qualified fire engineering teams, in partnership with third-party labs and product manufacturers, offer the opportunity to extend successful test results beyond the tested specimen through an engineering analysis report. This presentation discusses the opportunities, challenges, and limitations present when considering the acceptance of test data extended to support substitution or modification to an assembly.


  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Synthetic (artificial) grass or turf has improved steadily since its first installation half a century ago, and it is now a sophisticated surfacing system that can be customized to suit specific purposes. This course reviews that development and then focuses on the specifics of synthetic grass suitable for use on playgrounds. This focus includes a detailed examination of its construction, installation, and maintenance, and a number of sample installations.


  • ( ~ 30 minutes ) 

    The war in Ukraine has left thousands living in substandard housing conditions, insufficient for winter weather. This course reviews a solution developed by a British engineer that addresses the pressing problem of delivering replacement windows in a war zone to improve thermal comfort in Ukrainian homes.

Displaying 76 - 100 of 627 results.

FIRST PREV [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] [126-150] NEXT LAST