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 593 results.
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https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s14229/www.aecdaily.com/course/1174090
As environmental concerns grow, repurposing materials and finding new ways to showcase their unique qualities in design have become increasingly important. This course examines terrazzo’s history, system types, flooring assemblies, and restoration and refinishing options. Discover its enduring versatility and charm through renovation projects featuring newly installed and renewed vintage floors, where its durability, material attributes, and design potential can help meet credit requirements in the LEED ® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building StandardTM version 2.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s801701/www.aecdaily.com/course/903752
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.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s439595/www.aecdaily.com/course/1074542
Rooftop HVAC equipment, waste receptacles, and other necessary but unsightly equipment are common in today’s commercial industries. Rooftop and ground screening can provide a solution for meeting code requirements while improving building aesthetics. In addition, screens may improve a property’s safety and security and establish privacy boundaries. This course offers an in-depth discussion of rooftop and ground screening, the various ways to screen, and considerations when selecting a screen. Different installation techniques and comparative characteristics of traditional screening methods versus unit-attached and modular screening methods are also discussed.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s632921/www.aecdaily.com/course/835833
Redwood offers warmth, character, durability, and strength in products from sustainably managed and harvested forests. This course provides insights into forestry practices and the environmental benefits of redwood lumber, and compares redwood with other common decking materials. Details are presented on how to differentiate and specify grades of redwood; finishing options and methods are also discussed. The course concludes with examples of applications that showcase the unique beauty and attributes of redwood.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s425610/www.aecdaily.com/course/1112782
Water is vital for life. As we move out of the pandemic, consumers are becoming more aware of their health and are taking steps to maintain healthy, active lifestyles, including drinking pure, clean water. This course explores the importance of staying hydrated and explains how dehydration can negatively affect health and wellness. The course also examines some of the most common contaminants in drinking water and the potential health effects of ingesting such water. Gain insight into how consumer lifestyle trends drive the need for healthier and more sustainable water in the kitchen and beyond and discover how consumers can meet these needs. Finally, learn about some of the newest water filtration systems available for cleaner, healthier, sustainable drinking water in the home.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s682321/www.aecdaily.com/course/856224
Sound abatement products are not just a building owner and occupant preference; minimum sound abatement ratings are required by many local building codes for multistory residential, commercial, and multipurpose buildings. Following an introduction to the basics of sound, this course presents a summary of the most common sound control methods, with a focus on the options available for floor underlayment.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s12454/www.aecdaily.com/course/900566
While providing fresh air intake and exhaust, reducing noise, and keeping out unwanted water and debris, louvers can also provide architectural style to a building design. This course discusses the aesthetics, performance, and weather resistance features of a variety of louver designs from the basic to the extreme. A discussion about the industry standards and test protocols for louver performance is included.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1118974/www.aecdaily.com/course/1128064
Resin-mineral composite is an exceptional building material for exterior applications and embodies the enduring appeal of wood without its challenges. The composition, design options, and performance attributes of resin-mineral composite (RMC) decking and siding are explored. Also discussed are product and manufacturer sustainability, product evaluations, and the range of applications suitable for resin-mineral composite.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s14751/www.aecdaily.com/course/1210655
Concrete is the backbone of modern construction, and it comes with an environmental cost, as do most construction materials. This course explores concrete’s contributions to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and current and emerging solutions to reduce emissions throughout its entire life cycle. Climate-positive design strategies to improve the carbon footprint of exterior projects are presented. Real-world projects demonstrate how permeable pavements are a sustainable alternative to poured concrete surfaces, offering numerous environmental benefits.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s14798/www.aecdaily.com/course/952903
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.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1134927/www.aecdaily.com/course/1144645
Locating mechanical and electrical equipment on a roof is often necessary for space and efficiency in a building design. However, it can be challenging to provide a means for safe maintenance access while preserving the roof membrane and structural integrity and not interfering with other rooftop equipment. This course presents the components that comprise rooftop support systems designed to solve these challenges, as well as system design considerations and compliance with the International Building Code® (IBC®) and the International Mechanical Code® (IMC®).
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s677063/www.aecdaily.com/course/897991
It is an expectation that today’s buildings have to be more than just aesthetically pleasing: they have to provide measurable environmental benefits. This course outlines how insulated concrete forms (ICFs) help meet sustainable design objectives and examines the advantages that ICFs and ICF technology have over conventional construction materials for building envelopes in all building types.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s775747/www.aecdaily.com/course/815408
For some applications, building codes provide for the use of fire-retardant-treated (FR) wood products as an alternative to noncombustible materials. To ensure that FR wood products are properly specified, it is important to understand how these products are made, their formulations, and the building code references that guide their use in construction. This course offers a review of FR wood products, including their manufacture, the applications and types of fire retardants that are available, and the factors that must be considered to ensure FR wood products are properly specified for code compliance.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s20642/www.aecdaily.com/course/1095851
Third-party environmental product declarations (EPDs), using a life-cycle analysis (LCA) approach, provide a comprehensive analysis and quantification of a product’s sustainability. This course examines how EPDs can inform sustainable site furniture selection and how the use of sustainable site furniture can contribute to meeting various credit requirements of LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction, Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2, and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s9559/www.aecdaily.com/course/1213616
As the demand for data center construction and expansion continues to rise, the market for specialty metals—such as perforated metal, expanded metal, wire mesh, and grating products—is poised for significant growth. This course explores the applications of specialty metals, highlighting their role in optimizing the performance, efficiency, and scalability of data center infrastructure, enabling building professionals to meet evolving market demands while adhering to industry best practices.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s789181/www.aecdaily.com/course/990198
Concrete is an essential part of modern buildings. As net zero energy buildings become more common, it is crucial to find ways to reduce concrete’s carbon footprint without losing the performance characteristics that make it valuable to the building team. This course explains the sources of concrete’s carbon footprint and explores strategies for reducing embodied carbon and operational carbon in precast sandwich wall panels and insulated architectural cladding.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1016142/www.aecdaily.com/course/1214264
This course examines advanced insulated concrete form (ICF) systems with a focus on structural performance, continuous insulation, and airtight wall construction. It analyzes how evolving configurations influence wall and floor integration, detailing at transitions, and coordination with building systems. Emphasis is placed on design decisions that affect safety, energy performance, and long-term resilience in residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) construction.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s8170/www.aecdaily.com/course/1137958
As more companies invest in solar to generate clean power for their operations, meet environmental goals, or save money on electrical bills, architects and building owners may need to be prepared to accommodate rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems in both existing and new buildings. This course provides an introduction to rooftop PV systems, including a discussion of modules, components, and attachments, and best practices for a durable roof and PV system.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s2955/www.aecdaily.com/course/894516
Currently, buildings are the single biggest contributor to GHG emissions, accounting for roughly half of all energy consumption in the U.S. and globally. It is crucial to reduce this level of consumption by including high-performance envelope strategies such as shading systems in all new building designs. In this course, we look at shading systems, examine shading and design strategies, and learn tips for successful selection and design.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1116216/www.aecdaily.com/course/1130624
Identifying, salvaging, and reusing stone and brick is a multifaceted strategy that benefits the environment, economy, and society. It represents a practical and visionary approach to building and design that respects the past, enhances the present, and prepares for a more sustainable future. This course reviews the impact of stone and brick reclamation by examining case studies focusing on modern American architecture and interior and exterior design. The course discusses how material repurposing benefits a society increasingly concerned about environmental sustainability.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1159938/www.aecdaily.com/course/1190496
This course provides an overview of types of hybrid vinyl flooring and how they contribute to long-term value through reduced maintenance needs, verified indoor air quality performance, and responsible material sourcing. It examines manufacturing processes, product content, and material transparency that influence consistency, durability, and environmental impact. These attributes can support credit achievement in green building programs such as the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2 by addressing low-emitting materials, responsible manufacturing, and product transparency.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1125659/www.aecdaily.com/course/1136438
This course reviews the evolution of accessible restrooms and the recent, sudden prominence of universal (or adult) changing tables. We’ll examine how new changes to both the International Building Code® and statewide legislation affect public restroom design, and the profound impact universal changing tables can have on the lives of people with disabilities and their caregivers.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s710971/www.aecdaily.com/course/1043037
Building fires claim nearly 4,000 lives each year in the U.S. It is the responsibility of building designers to do their utmost to prevent such fires and their accompanying loss of life. Often, the difference between life and death is as simple as a fire door that functions properly. This course focuses on describing how design professionals can reinforce their ability to ensure that fire doors are specified, installed, inspected, and maintained properly and that they meet or exceed all relevant code requirements.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s6403/www.aecdaily.com/course/1045555
Prefabrication, in whole or in part, is a rapidly growing construction trend that has influenced how buildings and their components are being designed and assembled on- or off-site. This course provides an overview of the various prefabrication approaches, focusing on prefabricated bathrooms. It explores how designers can identify the prefabricated bathroom products and suppliers that best integrate with building prefabrication to optimize product and building benefits, economies, performance, and quality.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s738249/www.aecdaily.com/course/815723
Obesity rates in the U.S. have reached epic numbers and correlate to significant health and economic impacts. Outdoor obstacle courses in public green spaces can provide appealing, effective, and free training equipment to the community to help increase physical activity. Review the theories of obstacle course training and guidelines for their design and installation.
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