The tools, techniques, and approaches to Sustainable Community Planning (SCP) have evolved substantially in the last few decades, turning it from an abstract notion into a comprehensive and beneficial planning approach. This course reviews a broad spectrum of the more effective approaches currently being utilized to convert basic SCP principles into practical projects around the world. The review includes numerous links to the sources of these tools and approaches and includes background on a number of international projects.

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

The design of behavioral healthcare facilities should address the therapeutic and safety needs of patients and staff while meeting the applicable codes and regulations. Reviewed in this course are ligature-resistant products developed for patient rooms and bathrooms that strike the balance between providing the safest design solutions while creating a noninstitutional environment.

There is a growing realization that the buildings we live and work in play an important role in the health and wellbeing of building occupants. Green building rating systems are starting to incorporate health and wellbeing criteria and this course will look specifically at how products and materials can help meet the health and wellbeing requirements across these systems.

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

Sectional overhead doors are not just for main floor vehicle entry and egress, they are available for multiple applications in second stories, office buildings, and interior spaces. Today’s doors offer high strength and insulated glazing options for increased energy efficiency, durability, and security. Multiview panels offer increased daylight and views for occupants. This course reviews important points to consider when specifying an overhead door such as overall safety and security, insulation and wind–load requirements, and glazing options. Various case studies are also examined.

Manufacturing companies are seeing an increased demand for product transparency. This course discusses what sustainability and Design for Environment are, how transparency documents are created, how they contribute to green building certification, and how investing in sustainability can produce process and operational efficiencies that benefit people, planet, and business.

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

This course provides a summary of the major changes to the Ontario Building Code that came into effect on January 1, 2020. The course is specifically tailored for architects, engineers, and interior designers. The major changes include smoke spread provisions in high buildings, distance between exit discharge doors, re-entry requirements for low buildings, accessibility amendments, and new provisions for foamed plastic and insulation. The primary intent of the changes was to harmonize the Ontario Building Code with the National Building Code of Canada and provide clarification on existing code provisions.

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

Good restroom design includes regard for user experience, environmental impact, good hygiene, and cost over time─hand-drying fixtures are a necessary element of this design process. In this course, we review how new technologies can address the hygiene, dry speed, sound level, and accessibility concerns of a restroom project. We also discuss why it is vital to specify hand dryers with optimum energy and cost efficiency.

Fireplaces remain one of the main focal points of a home. No longer used only for heating or cooking, and coupled with advances in technology and fuel options, fireplaces have evolved into an architectural component of the designed living space. Modern gas fireplaces offer an environmentally friendly heating solution with high efficiency ratings and contemporary designs that don’t sacrifice form for function. This course offers an overview of contemporary fireplace styles, options, venting, and installation, with a focus on cool wall technology and how it allows electronics and other design elements to be safely mounted over a fireplace.

Centralized mail and package delivery is often a last-minute consideration that causes confusion due to the various compliance and accessibility requirements needed to complete the installation. This course is designed to demystify the process by providing a clear explanation of several mailbox installation specifications, accessibility standards, and design strategies.

Birds, bird droppings, and nesting materials can detract from buildings' architectural features; more importantly, they can negatively impact the environment by creating health and safety risks. Eliminating a bird problem requires a strategic combination of preventive measures and proven bird control products. This course explores the characteristics of common birds, bird problem assessment, and the solutions designed to deter the roosting and nesting of pest birds.

Designers, building users, and managers are increasingly focused on building and occupant health as well as energy conservation. This course explores how mixed-mode (hybrid) ventilation systems address all these issues by improving the ratio of fresh air introduced into buildings while reducing energy needs and costs. It describes the benefits, elements, and workings of these systems and provides design guidance and illustrative case studies.

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

Safety and security window films offer protection from a variety of events, from accidents and natural disasters, to break and entry and bomb blasts. This course examines safety and security window film and attachment systems and includes discussions on the history of films and film classifications, the functional benefits and applications of window films and attachment systems, and the relevant testing standards and specifications.

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

Dumpsters, concrete dividing walls, and rooftop HVAC equipment are commonplace in today's commercial industries. Unfortunately, these items are necessary but unsightly. However, dumpster enclosures, wall screens, and unit-attached rooftop HVAC screens can help building owners enhance aesthetics and meet code requirements. This course examines the various types of ground-level screens including enclosures, walls screens, and trellis systems and offers an in-depth discussion of HVAC equipment and unit-attached rooftop screening systems. Different installation techniques and comparative characteristics of traditional roof-mounted screening methods versus unit-attached screening methods are also discussed.

Lack of secure bicycle parking and storage is one of the top barriers to increased bicycle ridership. However, there is much more to selecting functional and appropriate bike storage than installing a few racks at the building sidewalk. This course examines best practices for bicycle racks and shelters for indoor and outdoor bicycle parking and storage, including typical municipal guidelines and regulations, incentives, guidance on shelters, and rack planning and design.

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

Safety and security window films offer protection from a variety of events, from accidents and natural disasters, to break and entry and bomb blasts. This course examines safety and security window film and attachment systems and includes discussions on the history of films and film classifications, the functional benefits and applications of window films and attachment systems, and the relevant testing standards and specifications.

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

Kiln-fired glass is a fine art form with many architectural and interior design applications. This course explains how kiln-fired glass is produced, what the range of applications is, and how installations can meet architectural glass performance and safety requirements.

Restroom facilities should provide easy access and use for all users, regardless of ability. It is becoming increasingly important to know the tools needed to properly plan an accessible restroom that will meet the requirements of the ADA and other standards. This course will explore how accessibility standards accommodate a wide range of users, including how to design lavatories, toilet compartments, bathing facilities, and their accessories to meet accessibility requirements.

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

Fireplaces remain one of the most desirable household features for homeowners, complementing a range of different lifestyles and appealing to a range of demographics. This course provides an overview of electric fireplaces, focusing on their design possibilities, flame technologies, ease of installation, environmental efficiency, cost-saving benefits, and their advantages over gas and wood-burning fireplaces.

Heated towel racks not only warm and dry damp towels, but also add a sense of comfort and luxury. This course explores heated towel racks and includes discussions on: the functions, benefits, and applications of heated towel racks; centrally heated, electric, and hydronic heating systems; materials and finishes; installation and care; and, design and accessory options.

Redwood timbers are a safe, strong, and sustainable option for exterior and interior building projects where natural wood is desired. This course provides an overview of the properties of redwood timbers including insulation properties, grades, dimensions, fasteners, finishing options, and strength. It concludes with numerous case studies exploring the use of redwood timbers for post and beam construction, decorative elements, deck posts, and outdoor living structures.

This course provides a summary of the changes to the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice (UAE Fire Code) that came into effect in September 2018. The course is specifically tailored for architects, engineers, and interior designers. The 2018 edition of the UAE Fire Code introduces changes to: building construction (such as spandrel requirements, fire testing of curtain wall systems, façades, and cladding, and third-party inspections); fire service vehicles and personnel accessibility (including emergency vehicle access); means of egress, fire detection and alarm systems, fire protection systems (such as fire hydrants, fire pump flow rate and water tank capacity, and balcony sprinklers); smoke control and smoke management systems; and drawing submission requirements. The primary intent of the changes was to address the technical discrepancies and adapt with the life safety challenges in today's buildings.

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

Moss is the oldest plant on earth. A living, self-contained moss wall comprises 100% live moss plants that have an innate ability to cleanse the air while enhancing the visual aspects of an interior environment. This course discusses the impact living plant walls can have on the interior environment, explores the attributes of moss plants, and explains how live moss walls may be used to incorporate biophilia into interior spaces.

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

Today's gas fireplaces make a stylish, modern design statement while providing a safe and efficient option for supplemental heat. This course explores the benefits of direct vent, electronic ignition gas fireplaces over other fuel and venting options, with a focus on the innovative features and design possibilities offered by frameless fireplaces suitable for any residential or commercial space. The benefits of a frameless fireplace design, cool wall technology, a heat control system, and integration of the modern fireplace into a home automation system are discussed, and occupant safety features such as double glass heat safety barriers are explained.

Modern hydronic radiator systems are an energy-efficient, healthy, and hygienic solution for residential and commercial applications. This course discusses the principles of radiant heating and panel radiators, and how to size panel radiators for residential applications.

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

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).

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