Building Knowledge and Connections
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 583 results.
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https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s390008/www.aecdaily.com/course/929738
White roofs made of PVC (vinyl) can reflect three-quarters or more of the sun's rays and emit 70% or more of the solar radiation absorbed by the building envelope. Despite protecting and keeping buildings cool in all climates around the world for decades, misconceptions about the energy impact of cool roofs still exist. This course uses the fundamental science behind cool roofs to address alleged issues concerning the performance of cool roof products.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s2955/www.aecdaily.com/course/828031
Commercial building interiors see all kinds of wear and tear on a daily basis. Various forms of wall protection can combat this wear and tear to help extend the longevity of a space, maintain a clean look, and cut down on maintenance costs. This course discusses the different wall protection products available, how to identify which wall protection products fit certain applications, and which building codes apply to these products.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s13907/www.aecdaily.com/course/975033
Outdoor living space has become an important residential design consideration in the last several years. Decks create welcoming spaces to relax and entertain with family and friends, and a well-built deck can add more living space and value to a home. This course discusses deck surfaces, maintenance, and costs and explores porcelain tile as an alternative to wood and composite deck surfaces that is well suited to exterior environments. Also discussed is how porcelain tile can be used with a new pultruded fiberglass and composite underlayment, called structural ribbed self-supporting boards, and the sustainable features of this technology.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s14153/www.aecdaily.com/course/1185298
Commercial door operator systems provide safe and efficient access solutions for all facility types. This course explores overhead door types, overhead door operators, and their appropriate applications and outlines the specification criteria for these complex systems. Also addressed are NEMA enclosure ratings, the ANSI/CAN/UL 325 safety standard, and critical challenges related to operator performance, including life safety, security, access control, and system monitoring. The course prepares architects to specify compliant, safe, secure, and efficient overhead door operator systems in their projects.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s13218/www.aecdaily.com/course/912443
Natural fibers have been used for over 2,000 years as a method to strengthen building materials. Cellulose fiber provides an excellent alternative to traditional secondary reinforcement, reducing plastic shrinkage cracks and improving durability, impact resistance, shatter resistance, and freeze/thaw resistance without compromising the appearance or finishability of a concrete surface. This course covers the evolution of fiber, its benefits, and why it is a sustainable material.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1169038/www.aecdaily.com/course/1185741
Extreme weather events of all sorts are becoming increasingly frequent and ferocious. Wood stick-framed structures struggle to withstand them. As climate behavior shifts and worsens, building damage and destruction increase, building codes evolve, and insurance premiums skyrocket or simply become unavailable for certain building types in some locations. Architects must now utilize stronger, more resilient, noncombustible building approaches to address this situation. In addition, mounting pressures related to labor shortages, rising material costs, stringent building codes, and environmental volatility are pushing architects, developers, and engineers to reimagine their approaches to structural design and material selection. This course explores how an innovative, scalable, and economical cold-formed steel column and composite beam framing system can and does address these issues to create faster and deliver stronger, more cost-effective, and sustainable projects. This well-proven, code compliant system reduces dependencies on multiple trades and minimizes the number of handoffs, positively impacting schedule compression, which then translates directly into earlier openings, faster revenue generation, and reduced labor costs. The system is applicable to a range of housing, hotel, and commercial midrise projects in all climates. The course begins by exploring the limitations of traditional wood and metal framing systems. It then describes this prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) column and beam framing system and its details, erection methodology, advantages, environmental and sustainability benefits, accreditations, and certifications. It concludes with some representative examples of real-life projects.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s4479/www.aecdaily.com/course/930671
Considering gate hardware early in the design process enhances the aesthetics and functionality of perimeter security. Gate hardware balances durability, security, and ease-of-use without detracting from the design. This course examines latches, plain pivot and self-closing hinges, closers and accessories for swing gates, and wheels for sliding gates; it also offers guidance on specification and installation.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s753464/www.aecdaily.com/course/844146
With the ever-increasing focus on the sustainable built environment, building owners, architects, engineers, and contractors are incorporating structural steel into their designs. Presented here is a comprehensive view of the cradle-to-cradle structural steel supply chain from a sustainability perspective. Also discussed are steel production and design, steel’s potential contribution to LEED v4 credits, thermal capacity, and the environmental and life cycle benefits of prefabricated fireproof steel columns.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s936437/www.aecdaily.com/course/1147982
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).
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s795432/www.aecdaily.com/course/1012262
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 and creating a noninstitutional environment.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1167796/www.aecdaily.com/course/1182443
This course explores how multifunction tap systems combine a selection of filtered boiling, chilled, and sparkling water within a single, energy-efficient fixture. Learners will examine how this innovative solution supports healthier, more sustainable living and working environments and review real-world commercial and residential applications, highlighting the tap’s aesthetic versatility and impact in modern, design-conscious settings.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s561226/www.aecdaily.com/course/999984
Masonry is an ideal sustainable building construction material as it is extremely durable, recyclable, and reusable. It allows for extraordinary design versatility, so it can meet both aesthetic and functional requirements. This course looks at the design elements, components, and construction techniques that characterize sustainable masonry cavity wall building envelopes.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s7816/www.aecdaily.com/course/1009125
The inherent properties of concrete masonry, including strength, durability, and fire safety, have been well documented, though a perception of high cost persists. Due to significant changes to codes and standards that increased the flexibility of concrete masonry structural design, this construction method may also offer cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative solutions. This course reviews changes to ASTM C90 and the masonry design standard and includes a discussion on the benefits and opportunities these requirements bring.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s858139/www.aecdaily.com/course/880596
In a riot, burglary, or active shooter event, the importance of keeping an armed intruder out of a building cannot be underestimated. Examined here are fenestration security risks, considerations, and solutions for educational, religious, commercial, and retail applications, as well as applicable performance testing and standards. The course provides an in-depth discussion on new, retrofit access-denial glazing systems that provide maximum protection against forced entry and ballistic threats.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1608/www.aecdaily.com/course/903341
Ventilation grilles influence HVAC system performance but can pose aesthetic challenges for designers. Custom grilles made with modern fabrication techniques employ a variety of materials and finishes to create solutions that enhance and fully integrate with architectural interiors. This course discusses the basic mechanics of effective air distribution in buildings, performance characteristics of grilles, grille types, and custom design options.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s15243/www.aecdaily.com/course/928543
Unfortunately, gun violence is a reality, and design strategies must be employed to ensure a suitable level of protection and safety. This course addresses bullet-resistant fiberglass composite panels and the need for architectural armoring. The course discusses ballistic material testing and standards, the types of ballistic materials available, and fiberglass composite panel applications and installation considerations.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s987165/www.aecdaily.com/course/1003836
Terrazzo is versatile and durable, comes in a range of colors, and has multiple applications. It can be used in interiors and exteriors and, depending on the manufacturing process, can be customized to fit complex geometries. In this course, we discuss different applications of precast, cementitious, and epoxy terrazzo and the installation requirements, as well as the ability to customize these products to fit different design requirements.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s4459/www.aecdaily.com/course/1172510
Centralized mail and package delivery is often a last-minute design consideration that creates confusion due to the intersection of various federal compliance and accessibility requirements. This course explains how different mailbox installation types meet accessibility standards while remaining in federal and postal compliance and elevating mail areas from functional spaces to social ones.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s10541/www.aecdaily.com/course/1108897
Polished concrete combines style, eco-friendliness, durability, and cost effectiveness, making it a standout choice in flooring for architects and building owners. This course explores polished concrete, its benefits, and its role in sustainability efforts. It covers various job types, their specific requirements, the process of using polished concrete, and the importance of mock-ups, protective treatments, and maintenance for long-lasting results.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s796722/www.aecdaily.com/course/1134203
As cities continue to grow, incorporating synthetic surfacing into rooftop spaces offers a safe, practical, and innovative solution to creating more livable, attractive, and resilient urban environments. The course explores synthetic rooftop surfacing, including its applications; environmental, health, and safety benefits; and product, manufacturer, and installer certifications. Also discussed is how synthetic turf can contribute to achieving certification in LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction, Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2, and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1182149/www.aecdaily.com/course/1192913
Fire safety and suppression are essential design features for building projects. This course explores how innovative water mist fire suppression systems can enhance occupant safety in homes while preserving aesthetics and minimizing water damage. Key design principles of electronically controlled water mist systems are examined, and their installation and maintenance are described. Also discussed is guidance for dealing with code officials when using these systems as an alternative to traditional fire sprinklers.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s2580/www.aecdaily.com/course/1057157
Soft flooring has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years due to its aesthetics, lower costs, durability, and ease of care. This course discusses how to create the optimal soft flooring system through proper substrate and surface preparation.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1078641/www.aecdaily.com/course/1083010
Solid surface material is a durable and sustainable solution for custom architectural solutions. Explore the extensive design possibilities of this nonporous, thermoformable material and review key performance characteristics and fabrication guidelines.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s17339/www.aecdaily.com/course/829062
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.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s425610/www.aecdaily.com/course/1144222
Cleanliness and sanitation are important aspects of buildings and businesses, especially in restrooms. Users want environments where they don’t have to worry about picking up germs while owners desire solutions that are safe, attractive, and cost effective. Smart, connected fixtures can leverage sensor technology to optimize user experiences while also streamlining the management of building facilities, conserving water, and providing a hygienic, touchless experience for users.
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