Health, Safety, and Welfare

All courses identified as HSW, cover Health, Safety, and Welfare topics and have been approved by the AIA (American Institute of Architects) as an HSW Learning Unit (LU/HSW).

Displaying 1 - 25 of 598 results.

FIRST [1-25] [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] NEXT LAST

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course provides an overview of the industry standards and code references for flashing materials used in the installation of windows and doors. The code-referenced material standards for window and door flashings are summarized and compared, and the standard installation practices developed by the three main fenestration industry organizations are reviewed. Applications of the window and door installation standards and principles are shown using standard flashing materials with a focus on commercial and multifamily buildings.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In designing successful interior building spaces that positively impact their occupants, it is critical to have knowledge of the principles of acoustics and noise control and link them to design methodology. This course explores these principles, with a special emphasis on common building types where acoustics and noise control are often required and noise can have detrimental effects on users, such as athletic facilities and performance spaces.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Surface preparation is critical for high-performing, long-lasting flooring. Learn about the latest innovations and installation techniques in surface preparation that prevent floor damage while mitigating moisture and noise.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Metal roofing is often preferred for retrofitting a low-slope roof due to its durability, ease of installation, energy efficiency, and water channeling capabilities. This course examines why metal roofs fail, the types of structural standing seam panels, and the pros and cons of different methods for recovering an existing low-slope roof.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Birds are an important part of ecosystems, performing many essential ecological functions. Unfortunately, millions of birds are killed every year due to collisions. This course discusses how architects can include bird-safe glass design strategies in their projects to significantly reduce the number of bird collisions and positively impact the environment and biodiversity. It also examines how bird-safe glass may help projects satisfy credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction rating system.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In this video series course, we cover common metal roofing installation considerations. The first video discusses typical metal roof penetrations and details for proper installation. The second video presents metal enhancement options and design and installation tips to prevent premature corrosion in marine environments. The final video explores the expansion and contraction of standing seam metal roofs and how points of fixity accommodate thermal movement.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    As concrete is a carbon-intensive building material, design and construction professionals are encouraged to make informed, low-carbon design decisions. This course explores the evolving path toward low-carbon concrete solutions. Discussions include mix design optimization and trade-offs, exposure class, benchmarks, environmental product declarations (EPDs), and potential contributions toward LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction credits. Structural design strategies, performance-based specifications, and project-level carbon budgets are presented as means to support project and sustainability goals and performance requirements.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Designers increasingly focus on creating environments that improve the health, welfare, and productivity of occupants. This includes providing the benefits of daylight, fresh air, and access to the outdoors. This course explores how retractable roofs can extend the use of outdoor spaces year-round by converting them to daylit indoor spaces seasonally or with sudden weather changes. It explains the economic benefits, structure, and operation of various retractable roof types and how they can be customized to suit multiple site sizes and types, including rooftops. The course concludes with a series of case studies.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Metal roofing offers longevity, durability, and visual appeal. Today, a range of color and finish options are available that afford specifiers broad design flexibility. This course explores key solar reflectance and sustainability considerations when evaluating metal roofing colors and how selection relates to requirements in codes and green building programs such as LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction, Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2, and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. Case studies demonstrate how metal roofing colors have been used to meet design and sustainability objectives.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Structural laminated decking allows the beauty of the wood structure to be exposed, creating a unique architectural experience for its occupants. Aesthetics, strength, and durability are combined in one engineered product. Structural laminated wood decking is an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective alternative to solid timber and other roof systems. This course discusses the characteristics of laminated wood decking and reviews recommended design, specification, and installation practices.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In this course, we will explore the features and outdoor applications of elevated deck systems that enable architects to optimize outdoor spaces with functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, creating attractive and safe spaces for occupants. This course covers the system components for practical applications in various settings, offering insights into proprietary pedestal systems.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Specifying the right sectional door system for your commercial project can have a great effect on the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants. This course covers commercial sectional door systems, including the various types of doors available and their associated characteristics including energy efficiency and durability, along with a discussion on how to specify the correct door to meet project requirements.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In light of the recent pandemic and the increasing frequency of wildfires, there is growing awareness around the impact of air quality, particularly in indoor environments. Building systems that manage air circulation and ventilation play a crucial role in supporting occupant health and well-being and can help meet indoor air quality credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction, Interior Design and Construction, and Operations and Maintenance rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. This course provides an overview of indoor air quality (IAQ) and offers strategies for improving it through responsive design and technology.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Foam plastic insulation materials, such as spray foam and rigid foam board, gained popularity after the 1970s oil crisis as energy‑efficiency solutions. While energy efficiency remains central to building codes, expectations now also include reducing carbon emissions to support building decarbonization. This course examines the embodied carbon of insulation materials and their role in reducing operational energy use, enhancing building resilience, improving community well-being, and supporting sustainable, resource‑efficient design.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    With office vacancies rising amid changes in technology and the growth of working from home during the COVID pandemic, the practice of converting office buildings into residential spaces such as apartments, condominiums, and hotels has been embraced by communities and all levels of government as a solution to the housing crisis. This course examines the factors behind these conversions, with emphasis on the use of in-wall toilet systems as a solution to design, economic, and sustainability concerns.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    PVC and KEE single-ply roofing membranes are widely used in sustainable building design due to their durability, material efficiency, and recyclability. This course provides an overview of installation, warranties, and maintenance requirements and explores the role of membranes in reflective and vegetated roof systems. Also examined are their potential contributions toward LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Sustainable SITES® v2 credits addressing urban heat island mitigation, solar panel readiness, stormwater management, and construction and demolition waste reduction.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Commercial fenestration products including sectional doors, rolling sheet doors, and rolling steel doors can improve building performance and provide essential building/opening protection. This course discusses common door features, hardware, insulation, installation, and optional types of electric operators, and evaluates the performance criteria required for a specific dock or drive through opening.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Elevate your railing designs with a premanufactured system without compromising aesthetics or adaptability to site conditions. When you choose a manufacturer with design and engineering capabilities, you can customize premanufactured systems to meet safety standards AND enhance a project’s design. In this course, we discuss how a railing manufacturer helped three architects create unique solutions from premanufactured components.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In applications where wood may be exposed to moisture, insects, or fungal organisms, preservative-treated wood can ensure a project’s durability. This course reviews: the manufacturing process for pressure-treated wood; types of preservative treatments and the required levels of retention as dictated by the end-use application, desired service life, and exposure conditions; American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) Use Category standards; current issues concerning preserved wood in residential and commercial construction; and Best Management Practices (BMPs) for aquatic uses.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The choice of flooring is an important consideration in museums; their popularity brings a high volume of foot traffic, and museum spaces have a wide range of flooring needs. This course discusses how recycled rubber flooring is a good choice for museums because of its sustainability, durability, low maintenance requirements, performance attributes, and wide variety of design options.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Standing seam metal roofing has been used successfully in the United States for centuries, and proper specification is key to realizing its intended performance. Examined here are: the factors driving the demand for standing seam metal roof and wall systems; standing seam panel basics; gauge and grade; oil canning; specification considerations; testing standards; and forming, delivery, storage, handling and warranty.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Mouldings and trim occupy a small amount of space on a home’s exterior; however, their aesthetic value outweighs their size. Cellular PVC mouldings and trim are durable; stain, rot, and insect resistant; maintenance-free; and recyclable. For properly arranged exterior mouldings and trim, architects and designers need a thorough understanding of the materials and the design rules and functions for each location. This course takes the reader through the layout and installation of exterior mouldings, particularly cellular PVC, and looks at some common mistakes and solutions.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Properly selected acoustical solutions are necessary to provide acoustical comfort and performance for a range of applications. This course reviews acoustic theory and design methodology to facilitate the design and specification process. A particular emphasis is placed on performance-oriented designs and strategies for different project types.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Louvers are functional elements that permit airflow and protect against water intrusion. Selecting the right louver for a project requires balancing multiple factors. This course provides an overview of the various types of louvers and their performance characteristics, the AMCA’s role in ensuring reliable, high-performing products, and relevant standards and testing protocols. Finish options, as well as installation, design, and structural considerations, are addressed. Guidance is provided on selecting and specifying appropriate louvers to meet project needs.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Building science experts acknowledge the need for drainage in both vertical and horizontal applications in order to eliminate moisture issues and extend the life of the building. This course examines foundation wall, green roof, and plaza deck applications and discusses the factors that impact drainage, including soil permeability, saturation, land cover, and loading. Flow rate standards are discussed, and drainage composite mat installation is explained.

Displaying 1 - 25 of 598 results.

FIRST [1-25] [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] NEXT LAST