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 584 results.
Scan this code with your mobile device camera to take this page on-the-go!
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s7816/www.aecdaily.com/course/1166505
Segmental retaining walls (SRWs) are used in many landscaping applications, including small residential backyards and large commercial and transportation situations. This course provides an overview of segmental retaining wall systems and materials, including SRW terminology, soils, geosynthetics, general uses, and potential site issues. This program is best suited for those with little to no background in segmental retaining wall systems or materials or those desiring a refresher course in segmental retaining walls.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s904648/www.aecdaily.com/course/1091510
Understanding the performance of building materials in real-world conditions is key to a successful building design. Recent studies have shown that the commonly reported R-values of polyisocyanurate foams at room temperature may overstate their real-world performance in cooler temperatures, potentially resulting in gaps in designed building enclosure assembly performance and quality. Through a theoretical framework and empirical data, this course shows that optimized polyisocyanurate foam insulation results in better performance, leading to improved energy savings and reduced potential for condensation. Participants are encouraged to explore innovative insulation materials, understand differences between them, and match optimal materials to specific applications while meeting modern construction codes and regulations. By matching the right insulation materials to the application, architects can contribute to energy-efficient and cost-conscious construction practices and help buildings reduce their impact on the environment.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s707030/www.aecdaily.com/course/940933
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.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s12219/www.aecdaily.com/course/828002
While the kitchen has long been considered the heart of the home, the bathroom is often thought of as a utilitarian space. However, by drawing inspiration from kitchen design principles, designers can create a bathroom that’s personalized, organized, and highly functional. Beyond serving basic needs, the bathroom is a space for relaxing, recharging, and preparing for the day ahead. This course discusses strategies for incorporating organization, ergonomics, personalization, and technology to create a streamlined styling space.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s14532/www.aecdaily.com/course/1138134
Traditional and modern, linear direct vent gas fireplaces safely provide supplemental heat while preserving indoor air quality. The course explores gas fireplace venting systems and heater- and decorative-rated fireplace options, electric fireplace options, functions, aesthetics, and applications. Also discussed are innovative technologies that enhance performance, applicable codes and standards, safety requirements and precautions, and size considerations.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s796722/www.aecdaily.com/course/991722
The implementation of synthetic surfacing for leisure and performance applications is rapidly growing. Artificial materials such as synthetic turf (grass), synthetic green walls, and poured-in-place and court surfacing often outperform their natural counterparts. Additionally, increased safety standards and design expectations have accelerated innovation in the materials available to designers. This course outlines synthetic surfacing options and examines synthetic turf systems, detailing their design considerations, performance features, sustainability and health benefits, and associated return on investment (ROI).
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s3379/www.aecdaily.com/course/903336
Understanding how insulated metal panels comply with fire safety regulations under the code is critical to their proper use in creating highly energy-efficient and sustainable buildings. This course takes a relatively complex subject and addresses the most important fire safety aspects to allow building designers to make an informed decision on the use of these popular cladding systems. Also reviewed are how these products have been addressed in the development of the International Building Code and the various third-party product listings, evaluation reports, and engineering judgements used to show compliance.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18795/www.aecdaily.com/course/668974
Rainscreens are a multicomponent system offering redundancy in resisting the weather; however, continuity of each component is critical. When an insulated metal panel (IMP) is used within the system, it can function as a number of these components, simplifying installation and improving performance. This course looks at IMPs acting as barrier walls behind various rainscreen systems, with a discussion on the performance characteristics for air, water, vapor, and thermal management.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1155903/www.aecdaily.com/course/1168304
Wood is a sustainable building material that must be properly detailed to reach its full performance and durability potential. This course explores the intricate relationship between wood and water, providing insights into moisture management strategies crucial for achieving durability in exterior wood installations. Discussions include the natural properties of wood, dynamics of wood movement, wood drying processes, rainscreen principles, and designing for wood movement in cladding and decking applications.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18525/www.aecdaily.com/course/1097698
“Good” lighting is more than photometric performance: it is an art and a science that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. It must meet the visual needs of many and satisfy a myriad of individuals’ subjective perceptions. Architectural lighting design is a series of planned experiences involving people and spaces that we create by modulating and delivering light. This course discusses a conceptual framework for lighting design that specifiers can use to bring an architectural vision to life with the most powerful medium available to enrich the built environment and enhance the end-user experience: light!
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1055159/www.aecdaily.com/course/1089605
Noise pollution is excessive environmental noise that disrupts the activity or balance of human life. As urban environments have become increasingly dense, the noise problem has magnified, negatively impacting mental and physical health. Sound is everywhere, but it can be controlled with architectural solutions. This course provides a refresher on the basic science of acoustics and how sound interacts with our surroundings. From there, the course explores various architectural solutions, the technology behind them, and how they are successfully integrated into buildings to reduce noise. Discussion of installation applications addresses sound control options for retrofits and new construction.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1078631/www.aecdaily.com/course/1094744
In recent years, the inclusion of wine cellars has become a hallmark of luxury and upscale housing, extending beyond individual homes to multifamily residences, bars, private clubs, and restaurants. This course is a practical guide for architects, designers, general contractors, and engineers on building attractive, efficient, and highly functioning wine cellars that successfully integrate technical requirements with design intent.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s15106/www.aecdaily.com/course/916187
Custom window products include a range of products, from truly one-of-a-kind fabrications to customizable components. This course takes a detailed look at what design options are available to the architect in premium and luxury window products. Installation and performance issues pertaining to large window combinations are also discussed, as well as recommended solutions and mitigation strategies for structural and water infiltration challenges.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s485236/www.aecdaily.com/course/656814
“Sustainable” design isn’t just “environmental.” It’s design that works for and contributes to the health and welfare of all individuals as well as the planet, now and in the future. This course looks at hand dryers as part of sustainably designed restrooms and discusses how air knife hand dryers benefit the environment through energy efficiency, resource conservation, and waste reduction, and benefit all members of society by meeting ADA requirements and Universal Design principles.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s6403/www.aecdaily.com/course/934626
Dual-flush wall-mounted toilets help create modern, stylish bathrooms that strike a balance between sustainable water efficiency, flexible design, and space savings. This course compares this style with other traditional types of toilets, discusses how wall-mounted toilets benefit commercial and residential users, and explains how they satisfy the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other accessibility and building code requirements.
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/s8547/www.aecdaily.com/course/1149263
Megatrends are long-term global trends that impact societies in complex ways, including design of the built environment. This course examines seven megatrends and how they may inspire kitchen and bath designers to create accessible, diverse, and sustainable solutions to the social and environmental issues our society faces.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s356556/www.aecdaily.com/course/1054861
No discussion about a material’s sustainability is complete unless it addresses embodied carbon, the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions associated with the material over its cradle-to-grave life cycle. Changes made to spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation formulations address the impacts of embodied carbon. This course explores the evolution and environmental impacts of SPF blowing agents, the performance benefits of SPF, physical property testing and certifications, and SPF’s potential LEED® v4 contributions. Case studies make evident the performance value of SPF.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s508058/www.aecdaily.com/course/1174986
This course explores how understanding disability can guide the creation of accessible and inclusive spaces. It examines access opportunities in educational and public environments, with an emphasis on strategies that go beyond code compliance. These approaches can help meet credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2 by improving usability, promoting occupant well-being, and reducing long-term barriers through design solutions.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s15796/www.aecdaily.com/course/626474
Historically, traditional waterproofing methods involve the placement of a barrier or membrane between the concrete and water. Unlike membranes and other surface systems, crystalline waterproofing is designed to make the concrete itself waterproof. This course discusses how crystalline waterproofing technology provides a high level of performance to concrete structures and what design professionals need to know in order to specify and understand how this chemical technology can improve building projects, cut costs, and help earn LEED® credits.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s2580/www.aecdaily.com/course/1058864
Selecting flooring is an important decision, but equal emphasis should be placed on proper surface preparation to avoid costly flooring failures. This course reviews best practices for a typical hardwood flooring installation and discusses the innovative options that consolidate products and steps, saving time and money while enhancing certain performance characteristics.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s431285/www.aecdaily.com/course/1106562
Vinyl membrane decking can prolong the life cycle of various building components; however, performance and durability depend on vinyl membrane selection, specification, and installation. Fortunately, vinyl membrane manufacturers can support architects, contractors, and specifiers through all phases of the project to ensure a successful outcome. This course examines walkable, waterproof roof deck membranes and roofing systems and includes discussions on system characteristics, design considerations, and how to properly specify roof deck membrane systems.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s5654/www.aecdaily.com/course/1091501
Concrete is a key construction material in modern society. As the foundation for much of what we make, it has a substantial environmental impact, mainly reflected in its carbon footprint. This course introduces best practices to make concrete more sustainable and lower the embodied carbon in concrete with its use and application.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s5023/www.aecdaily.com/course/1009062
Protected roof membrane assemblies (PRMAs), and vegetative roof assemblies (VRAs) in particular, place extreme requirements on the components below the surface, from waterproofing to insulation and everything in between. Each element must meet specific standards for energy efficiency and durability. This course reviews the benefits and design considerations of VRAs. It also describes the high-performance attributes of VRA components and defines the building code/performance standards and best specification practices for optimal fire, wind, thermal, and moisture performance.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s13218/www.aecdaily.com/course/938725
Color is often used functionally across many design elements; this can also be done with concrete by simply dosing standard concrete mix designs with pigment. Using pigment, concrete can be transformed from a plain, common material into a beautiful, sustainable, and enduring building element. Adding pigments to concrete elevates a project's quality and impact. This course presents basic knowledge of how concrete pigments are manufactured and how they are measured and dispensed to produce the desired color hue and intensity capable of elevating a project to the next level.
🍪 We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, analyze site traffic, personalize content, and serve targeted advertisements. Read about how we use cookies and how you can control them by clicking here. Click "cookie settings" to adjust your preferences.
