Key findings from a recent study conducted by AIA with support from Owens Corning demonstrate that resiliency is a value shared across the design team. However, the interpretation of what resiliency actually means varies greatly based on factors such as design team role, construction type, and experience. This course will consider resiliency from multiple viewpoints, hypothesize on why discrepancies exist when it comes to defining resiliency, and demonstrate actual examples of resilient construction based on recent disaster assessments and actual in situ examples. The content aims to help design team members develop solutions that advance the resilience of commercial buildings....
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....
From performing arts centers and music schools to museums and Native American centers, Kalwall is proud to be a part of cultural facilities around the world. Culture is at the heart of our communities, and it’s our job to shine a light on the things that matter most. With natural, diffuse daylight improving visual acuity and boosting mood, there’s no better way to help people embrace culture....
The beaches and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean are some of the advantages of living in Florida. However, the extreme wind forces from hurricanes can easily damage even the strongest buildings and cause billions of dollars in property loss. As a result, certain areas of Florida―Miami-Dade and Broward Counties—have been designated High Velocity Hurricane Zones. The building products used in these zones must be laboratory tested to meet extreme wind and pressure performance standards. This course explains why a metal roof system designed to minimize the damage from hurricanes is important....
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....
Moisture and soil gas beneath concrete slabs can cause a myriad of problems in both residential and commercial applications. The causes and consequences of these problems are reviewed in this course, along with a discussion on the types and characteristics of under-slab water vapor and soil gas barriers....
This presentation will focus on the overview of various waterproofing, protection course and drainage methods that meet the standards of today’s foundation applications. Along with an overview of various code and design requirements that mandate foundation waterproofing systems and applications....
This presentation will focus on the overview of above-grade waterproofing, specifically covering balcony waterproofing systems, and the most overlooked component when assembling such systems. The course will also highlight the forces that create the need for waterproofing assemblies, and how those forces shape how we waterproof balconies....
Concrete pavers have become an integral part of commercial roofing that not only improves the energy efficiency but also increases the life expectancy. Ballast pavers provide a durable surface protecting the roofing system from wind uplift, UV degradation and impact. In addition to these benefits, plaza pavers also add the ability to increase the useable square footage of a structure by providing a durable pedestrian surface on roof decks....
This course explores the role of motorized pergolas in shaping contemporary outdoor spaces that balance energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and architectural design. Participants will learn how these systems support sustainable performance goals, discover key considerations for successful integration, and review best practices for specifying louvered roof solutions in both residential and commercial projects....
According to building professionals, the solution to achieving an energy-efficient building envelope is to focus more on the roof. Protected membrane roof (PMR) assemblies deliver thermal efficiency and can play a valuable role in a sustainable design strategy. Presented in this course is a review of the components, advantages, ballast options, and design and installation considerations of PMR assemblies....
The course covers the functions of the air barrier system in the building envelope enclosure. Benefits of proper air and moisture control through the envelope are reviewed, and the various types of air barrier systems and their limitations and performance is also covered....
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....
View the CityScapes Architectural Innovations Course Library
This course explains the design of adhered masonry wall systems typical of today’s best practices. It utilizes familiar masonry cavity wall design to show why proper ventilation and drainage typical in this wall type must also be used in adhered masonry veneer wall design, and explores the design differences and similarities between masonry cavity wall systems and adhered masonry veneer systems. It shows the results of improper wall design, common errors in adhered masonry installation techniques and product selection, and the correct techniques and products necessary for constructing sustainable, energy-efficient adhered masonry veneer walls that will remain free of water damage for the life of the building....
There are 3 modes of heat transfer: conductive, convective, & radiant. Radiant Heat Gain (RHG) accounts for significant increases in energy use and impacts building occupant comfort. The use of Radiant Heat Barriers in specific project types can reduce RHG by up to 80% or more improving building performance in both categories. This presentation will provide insight into the science and the solutions....
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....
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Roof top paver systems have become an integral part of commercial roofing that not only improves the energy efficiency but also increases the life expectancy of the overall roof system. Changes to codes and standards along with recent storm events have brought wind uplift to the forefront as a vital component to roof top paver systems. The industry has developed various methods for addressing wind uplift, many of which are covered in this course....
Rough openings are holes in the building enclosure, fitted with fenestrations that leak or will leak. It is critical to properly direct those leaks out of the enclosure. Designs for rough opening specify; tapes, sealants or flashing materials that are water, air, water vapor tight or vapor open. When detailed and installed correctly, most of these materials prevent water from entering into the interstitial wall cavities, allow the “leaks” to drain out of the building enclosure. Tapes, sealants and flashing components can fail over time or are improperly installed allowing water intrusion, trapping the water is vapor impermeable. By utilizing vapor open systems for rough opening materials, water that once trapped by impermeable flashing systems can escape via vapor diffusive drying. This presentation will describe failures, correct installation and testing of rough opening flashing and address current research on vapor open rough opening systems and how permeability enhances rough opening assembly performance....
This course reviews the definition of sustainability, and how Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) are being used to address product transparency needs. We will review how IMPs provide all environmental control layers and how their use contributes to sustainable design. LCAs form the backbone of EPDs, and this course walks through the creation of EPDs as well as the environmental factors evaluated. HPDs are the latest tool used to study building product toxicity, and we will provide a complete review of how these important documents are prepared and used by owners, architects, designers and manufacturers. We finish up by studying how EPDs and HPDs are used in environmental rating systems such as LEED, Green Globes and Living Building Challenge....
Protected Roof Membrane Assemblies (PRMA) have unique design requirements since they are loosely laid, held in place with stone ballast, pavers, or vegetative materials. The International Building Code contains prescriptive requirements to guide design and specification of such systems. The standards reviewed in this program provide methods to design wind uplift resistance of ballasted and vegetated roofing systems. The standards are intended to be used as references for designing, specifying, and installing ballasted roofing systems, and are to be used in conjunction with the installation specifications and requirements from the manufacturers of the specific products in the system. For roofs that exceed the boundaries of these standards (meaning designs that are not covered in this document) the authority having jurisdiction is the only source for approval. ASCE 7 gives guidance on how non-standard conditions should be evaluated. See other references, or, utilize professional wind engineering consultants, or, conduct wind tunnel studies in accordance with ASCE 7 for information to determine requirements for designs or systems not covered....
With the advent of “cool” single-ply roofs featuring heat-reflective exterior surfaces and the use of mechanical attachment, new questions have emerged concerning the internal forces at play within the roofing system, especially in regard to vapor movement and the potential for moisture condensation within the roof. This course reviews the fundamentals of vapor movement in roofing systems, current roof condensation research and the tools available to assess roof condensation. It also provides the building design professional with strategies to deal effectively with moisture movement within the roofing system....
Stormwater management is a critical component in any municipality to retain and infiltrate increased runoff volumes and flow rates from developed land that creates increased impervious cover (roofs and pavements). The course discusses the hydrologic and structural design fundamentals of permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) and why it is an excellent choice to help meet stormwater management goals. Discussions include the benefits of using PICP, components of PICP, design and construction considerations and how use of PICP can help earn LEED® credits....
View the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) Course Library
There are many kinds of resin-based coatings for metal. The type of resin used plays an important role in determining a coating's durability and physical properties. This course discusses these coatings and their application techniques. It also discusses why the coatings may deteriorate and how to measure the performance of the coatings. The role that resin-based coatings perform in cool roofs is explored along with the standards that measure the sustainability of cool roofs. This course provides the information one needs to ensure that the coated product will perform as expected and provide a durable, long-lasting finish....
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....
Pre-Cast Concrete assemblies are often the design solution to tight timelines and practical installation. With the addition of insulation and a toolkit of accessories, designers can improve efficiency, quality, and aesthetic often beyond stick-built options. How do you integrate continuous insulation into walls made from a series of panels shipped across the country? Join us to find out! Real-world case studies will be used to compare and contrast with frame construction....
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