Our built environment must be optimized to create comfortable and healthier spaces. Shading systems can be used to enhance our spaces by providing optimal daylight and comfort to create an ideal indoor environment. This course reviews the performance, aesthetic, and material health of various shadecloth compositions and how each factor contributes to the shadecloth selection process....
Saunas that exude authentic Nordic minimalism and elegance promote wellness, relaxation, meditation, and socialization. There are many different types of saunas for private or public purposes, but a few unique features and finishing options set some sauna designs apart. This course explains why the sauna has a much deeper tradition than wellness and discusses the considerations for selecting a ready-made or tailor-made sauna solution....
Rooftop decks create valuable living and recreational space for building owners, residents, and clients. Accommodating restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, and everything from residential to government buildings, rooftop deck systems offer the design flexibility to create versatile, unique outdoor spaces over any structural surface. This course explores the features, surface materials, and design options for rooftop deck systems and provides an overview of recommended planning and installation guidelines....
This continuing education unit course provides an in-depth overview of sustainability data sources and platforms, with an emphasis on Program Operator open databases and publicly accessible resource libraries. Participants will explore how these tools support transparent, performance-driven product evaluation and can be leveraged for informed product selection, documentation, risk mitigation, and alignment with design intent. The course also identifies opportunities for manufacturers and specifiers to collaborate through shared sustainability data and product transparency platforms and offers practical strategies for drafting and integrating sustainability-focused specification language that promotes measurable environmental and health outcomes, supports certification goals, and fits seamlessly into project documentation workflows....
A large portion of new commercial and residential buildings built today are equipped with clear, floor-to-ceiling glass. Does this new expansive area of glass lead to daylight optimization? This course explains the impacts of daylighting on human health and building occupant comfort. Proactive and reactive automated shading systems are discussed, and the course explains how a properly designed shading system can reduce whole-building energy consumption. Automated shading systems in projects of various scopes and scales are also discussed....
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Incorporating nature into the built environment through biophilic design increases occupant well-being, productivity, and health and is an integral component of an ecologically healthy and sustainable community. Presented here is an overview of biophilic design, its relationship to sustainability, and its positive human, environmental, and economic outcomes. Case studies demonstrate how rooftop deck systems can contribute to biophilic and sustainable design objectives....
Incorporating nature into the built environment through biophilic design increases occupant well-being, productivity, and health and is an integral component of an ecologically healthy and sustainable community. Presented here is an overview of biophilic design, its relationship to sustainability, and its positive human, environmental, and economic outcomes. Case studies demonstrate how rooftop deck systems can contribute to biophilic and sustainable design objectives....
Review of automated shading and daylighting design strategies on sustainability and energy optimization....
Automated-shading systems are designed to maximize natural daylight, increase building energy efficiency, and ensure occupants have a comfortable environment with views to the outside. This course will explain how an automated shading system predicts, monitors, and responds to the daily microclimate surrounding a building to effectively manage daylight, solar-heat gain, occupant comfort levels, and energy use demands....
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Leading aluminum extrusion manufacturers have established a variety of methods pertaining to material grade, surface protection, and component solutions to maximize the benefits of aluminum to suit a wide variety of applications. These advancements in technology have led to the development of sustainable wood-patterned aluminum products designed for exterior and interior applications. This course focuses on how these products can be used as a beautiful, high-performance, durable alternative for real wood in a range of applications, including screens, facades, decking, fencing, gates, cladding, and more....
Individuals are deeply connected to their surroundings. When surroundings have the ability to inspire and encompass creativity, collaboration, and innovation this connection can foster health and well-being as well as a sense of contentment. By utilizing light-manipulating materials in buildings, experiential spaces will not only promote occupant well-being but will also help projects achieve LEED and WELL credits and environmental stewardship....
Biophilic design is a methodology for designing buildings and landscapes that improve human health and well-being while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. This course provides an overview of biophilic design and its frameworks and how it can help projects earn certification through LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction (BD+C): New Construction, WELL Building Standard™ version 2, Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2, and the Living Building Challenge (LBC)....
One of the most important concepts behind biophilia is the “urge to affiliate with other forms of life,” (E.O. Wilson). Humans are connected to nature, inspired in nature, and desire to be harmonized with nature. This course discusses the main principles of biophilic design and explains how a connection with nature benefits human well-being, increases classroom performance, and reduces stress. Multiple case studies demonstrating the positive benefits of daylight and views on building occupants are discussed and applications of biophilic design are examined....
Light-manipulating glass products transport, redirect, refract, and reflect light to create architectural spaces that engage occupants with the unexpected interplay of light and shadow. This course explores these durable, functional products and their many options for customization. Also reviewed is how glass panels may apply to several credits and features in the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. ...
Light-manipulating glass products transport, redirect, refract, and reflect light to create architectural spaces that engage occupants with the unexpected interplay of light and shadow. This course explores these durable, functional products and their many options for customization. Also reviewed is how glass panels may apply to several credits and features in the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2....
We all love wood. It gives any design a luxurious feel and the benefits of biophilic design can’t be denied. You can paint wood but then it is no different than plastic or stone. To truly embrace the beauty of wood grain you want a lower opacity coating or stain. Transparency makes everything more complicated and applying finish to a wood can make or break your design. This course explores the 5 key elements that will dictate your finished wood look and how to specify them to achieve your vision....
This session will share how Skanska, in partnership with San Mateo County and CannonDesign, delivered the new Cordilleras Behavioral Health campus. The project consists of four small-scale recovery centers plus a co‑housing building, for which Skanska had to integrate trauma‑informed design, anti‑ligature and commissioning requirements, biophilic strategies, noise and operations mitigation adjacent to an active facility, and solutions for low‑carbon/net‑zero performance. We’ll unpack how early, collaborative decision‑making prevents costly rework and ensures safety. Finally, we’ll discuss the sustainability strategies implemented to pursue low‑energy/net‑zero targets without compromising safety, security, or durability. Attendees will leave with replicable checklists, coordination tips, and lessons learned they can apply to behavioral health projects of all sizes....
Thermal modification is a tried and tested process for increasing the durability of wood while maintaining a warm aesthetic in building design. This course examines all aspects of this sustainable wood product and how it can be incorporated into a variety of projects....
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This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
The Healthy Building Solutions Webinar Series will review how solar shading systems facilitate and promote health and wellness strategies for building occupants while addressing long-term sustainability and near-term COVID-19 considerations. The Series will include practitioner case studies and forward-thinking research in natural daylight, healthy materials, and cleaning protocols....
Modular wall systems provide a versatile and customizable approach to biophilic design, seamlessly integrating with existing infrastructure and adapting to evolving requirements. This course delves into their benefits, features, specification and installation considerations, and applications encompassing various environments, from urban streetscapes and public parks to commercial spaces, rooftops, and residential areas....
Light-manipulating materials use internal channels to capture, bend, scatter, and redirect light and create visually stunning spaces. Panels and slabs in resin, glass, and terrazzo make an experiential surface for privacy screens or signage, primary or accent lighting, and countertops or flooring—anywhere the interplay of light and shadow is desired for beauty and inspiration. This course describes the different types of light-manipulating materials and substrates, design and installation options, and the contributions of these products to sustainability goals as well as occupant health, well-being, and engagement in a wide range of dynamic, unique applications....
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dassoXTR In 2006, the dasso Group introduced dassoXTR exterior bamboo products to the world market at the Shanghai Expo in China, where almost two miles worth of this highly durable, outdoor-use bamboo was featured on a giant exterior project. Since then, dassoXTR has been incorporated into many notable building and remodeling projects throughout the world. In fact, dassoXTR is the only bamboo product with a proven track record for use in both commercial and residential construction and remodeling projects. EcoTimber An EcoTimber floor is more than beautiful wood or bamboo. Since 1992, EcoTimber has been the only flooring company devoted exclusively to forest protection and indoor air quality. You can trust that an EcoTimber floor, no matter which one you choose, satisfies the highest environmental and health standards. Learn more about EcoTimber . ...
Carlsbad Manufacturing is a collective of high-end design, hospitality, and household brands providing architects, interior and exterior designers, trade professionals, and homeowners with premium products to elevate their design projects. Our custom-manufacturing capabilities set us apart. Many products are made to order, resulting in one-of-a-kind designs that fit both the project space and vision....
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Mecho is the premier designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art manual, motorized, integrated and automated roller shade control systems and shadecloths. Its commitment to environmentally responsible, human-centric design, energy-saving products and control systems has been recognized by a number of respected organizations and programs....
Since 1994, Bison Innovative Products has led the industry in designing and manufacturing versatile pedestals, pavers, and site furnishings that offer the design flexibility to create unique and beautiful rooftop environments. From multifamily, mixed-use, and government projects to healthcare facilities and more, our independently tested, modular deck system allows rooftop decks to be installed quickly and easily....
