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....
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 by 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....
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
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....
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)....
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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....
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....
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....
One of the most popular design trends today is the use of daylighting to support wellness, boost productivity, and offset energy use. What’s more, maximizing the use of natural light in a space also speaks to the modern design language that the latest architectural buildings boast today. This CEU will seek to educate specifiers on the importance of daylighting and how to incorporate best practices that maximize its benefit....
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....
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....
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....
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.
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)....
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 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....
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.
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 CEU will seek to educate specifiers on benefits directly connected to the design of healing spaces while taking a close look at the way shading, daylight, and acoustics play important roles in those outcomes....
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....
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....
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 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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This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Rapidly changing trends in our society, such as urbanization and modern lifestyle, have resulted in isolation of humans from our experiences within nature. Early research has shown that psychological effects of biophilic design on noise perception have a significant influence in the well-being and health such as focus, information retention, productivity and creativity. In this course, we will identify these potential problems and the effects of them; as well as outline different corrective actions to mitigate/lessen the issues....
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....
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....
