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....
This presentation introduces the fundamentals of living walls and their connection to biophilic design in architecture. We will explore how integrating greenery into building environments enhances aesthetics, improves air quality, and promotes well-being. This presentation provides architects and designers with practical insights on incorporating living walls into projects, ensuring both functionality and sustainability....
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. ...
High-quality architectural stone veneer is a lower-cost, easier to install, sustainable alternative to natural stone. Though traditionally more often used in exterior applications, stone veneer is making its way into more interior applications across a wide variety of industries. This course will review performance and aesthetic characteristics of stone veneer and how it’s used in different applications. Learners will also explore how stone veneer contributes to biophilic design principles and helps architects specify for changing residential building trends....
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....
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, automated shading systems in projects of various scopes and scales are also discussed....
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....
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....
View the Sensitile Systems Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
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....
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 create an experiential surface for privacy screens or signage, primary or accent lighting, 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 as well as the design and installation options for a wide range of dynamic, unique applications....
Rapidly changing trends in our society, such as urbanization and a modern lifestyle, have resulted in the isolation of humans from experiences within nature. Research has shown that the psychological effects of biophilic design on noise perception have a significant influence on the well-being and health of humans. In this course, we review the science of sound, identify the potential problems associated with noise, and introduce the range of acoustic solutions formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) felt designed to provide sound-dampening benefits for busy commercial, educational, and healthcare facilities....
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Rooftop deck systems offer the design flexibility to create adaptable, sustainable outdoor spaces that provide myriad environmental, social, economic, and aesthetic benefits. This course presents the three pillars of sustainability and how building products, materials, and systems can contribute to sustainable design. It outlines forest management objectives and practices and the responsible sourcing of wood for rooftop deck tiles. Case studies exemplify how rooftop deck systems can contribute to sustainable design objectives....
In this presentation we will examine the current state of behavioral health in America, an overview of behavioral health facility types, therapy methods, patient safety considerations, and guidelines for facility design. This course will showcase principles to guide design including how to create safe social spaces, leverage biophilic design principles, phenomenology and tap into color theory, textures, and lighting to enhance healing. Additionally, this course features real life examples of implementing these principles to assist in the healing process, preserve patient dignity, and balance the safety of patients and staff....
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, aesthetics, and material health of various shadecloth compositions and how each factor contributes to the shadecloth selection process....
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course delves into the benefits, features, specification and installation considerations, and applications of modular wall systems....
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....
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....
This is a Product SpotLight Presentation. This 15-minute Product SpotLight introduces WoodnLite, a contemporary wood and glass office partition system developed for today’s evolving workplace environments. The presentation explores current office design trends emphasizing warmth, biophilic principles, and material authenticity, and examines how the use of real wood paired with glass supports the shift away from industrial aesthetics toward more human-centered, comfortable spaces. Attendees will also gain insight into the design intent and innovation behind WoodnLite’s patented wood rail and glass partition system, and how it differs from traditional aluminum-based solutions in contemporary office design....
Discussing the potential of automated shading as a tool and element to enhance designs, - how it's done; why do it; and what it meaningfully does to improve occupant experiences and building efficiencies - equally for work, learning, hospitality, and healthcare – to make built environments more sustainable, efficient and profitable....
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....
View the Carlsbad Manufacturing Corporation Course Library
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....
Thermory is an excellent, cost-effective solution for tropical hardwoods with exceptional durability, stability, and ease of installation. For real wood products with durability to the core, Thermory is the clear choice for long-lasting, beautiful decking, cladding, and porch flooring....
