American Institute of Architects

As the largest design organization in the world, AIA is working to transform the day-to-day practice of architecture to achieve a zero-carbon, resilient, healthy, just, equitable built environment, for everyone.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 601 results.

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

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Green facades can contribute to building energy efficiency, durability, aesthetic value, sustainability, and cost effectiveness in the performance of ecological system services. This course examines the considerations required for successful green facade installations and includes discussions on system selection, design, plant selection, maintenance, and client/owner education.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Accommodating an aging population in multistory homes means finding ways to simplify access to all levels. As residential elevators continue to decrease in cost, they are being considered as the most effective solution to offer safety, comfort, and convenience to the homeowner. This course reviews all considerations needed for the installation of a residential elevator including preplanning, locating, power and structural requirements, and code considerations.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The potential for scalding from point of use hot water affects all of us. While the very young and the very old are more susceptible, no one is immune from scalding danger. An understanding of the potential for scalding, as well as the physiology of burns from hot water, can guide our design choices and significantly reduce the danger to people using facilities that commonly supply hot water, such as lavatories, baths, and showers. This course discusses the potential for scalding, the physiology of burns due to hot water, and who is most susceptible. It also discusses the relevant codes and the fixtures available to designers that can help reduce scalding and burn potential.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Incorporating sustainable building materials into design practices is essential for creating environmentally responsible, healthy, and resilient built environments. Thermal modification is a tested and proven chemical-free process for increasing the dimensional stability and long-term performance of wood while preserving its natural beauty. Presented are the thermal modification process, the attributes, applications, and favorable environmental impacts of thermally modified wood, and how thermally modified wood can contribute to achieving certification in LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction, Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2, the WELL Building Standard™ version 2, and the Living Building Challenge (LBC).

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials throughout the world, and as such, it is in everyone’s best interest to consider more sustainable options. This course provides an overview of the properties of slag cement. Discussion topics include benefits, effects on plastics and hardened concrete, environmental profile including life cycle analysis (LCA) and environmental product declarations (EPDs), and various slag cement applications.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Designers, building users, and managers are increasingly focused on building and occupant health as well as energy conservation. This course explores how mixed-mode (hybrid) ventilation systems address all these issues by improving the ratio of fresh air introduced into buildings while reducing energy needs and costs. It describes the benefits, elements, and workings of these systems and provides design guidance and illustrative case studies.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In today’s building designs, considering the environmental impact of construction projects is of utmost importance. As a result, factors such as durability, installation speed, cost reduction, and long-term value have become crucial aspects of building designs. This course addresses these concerns in the context of nonresidential building renovations, focusing specifically on using state-of-the-art acoustical ceiling coatings as an alternative to removal and replacement with new materials. The course also examines how acoustical ceiling coatings may apply to several credits and features in the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction rating system and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Energy creation, distribution, and consumption are all in a period of transition. Understanding this transition and its benefits is critical to sustainable transitional energy planning (STEP). This course reviews the nature of the transition, the forces driving it, emerging energy systems and sources, and international and national examples. It details the process required for STEP and provides a comprehensive overview of the many renewable energy options now viable for community energy systems. It concludes with a series of illustrated sample plans and projects.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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).

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course is intended to prepare the architect to recognize and respond appropriately to ethical dilemmas encountered at work, especially when engaging with forceful clients or clients with differing values. The three scenarios presented here will help the architect successfully recognize potential ethical challenges and build effective strategies to meet their duty to the client and the public. Want free access to this and other NCARB courses? The NCARB Continuum Education Program offers free HSW CE courses to licensure candidates and architects who hold a current NCARB Certificate, which can be accessed through their NCARB record. Renew your NCARB Certificate , or get NCARB Certified .

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     In order to download this course, a USD $25.00 fee must be paid.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    One of the more complicated issues today in building science is addressing moisture movement, since moisture can penetrate a building in several different ways and result in material degradation, air quality issues, and failure of the building enclosure. This course examines the ways moisture can enter a structure and discusses the role of different moisture control layers that, when correctly placed and installed, can prevent unwanted moisture infiltration.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    The tools, techniques, and approaches to sustainable community planning (SCP) have evolved substantially in the last few decades, turning it from an abstract notion into a most comprehensive and beneficial planning approach. Part 1 of this two-part course examines the basic principles that these tools and approaches are based on, the local and global issues that they must address to be effective, and the nature and structure of the tools themselves. The review includes numerous links to the sources of these tools.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Daylighting is the controlled admission of natural light into a building. It takes into consideration both direct and diffuse sunlight and reduces use of electric light, thereby decreasing energy costs. By controlling daylight, solar heat gain can be minimized, lowering the demand on HVAC systems. This course evaluates a variety of daylighting strategies for commercial applications and includes discussions about the relevance of daylight factor calculations and the impact fabric characteristics have on a shading solution.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Daylighting has traditionally been considered a functional way to bring natural light into building design. This course explores innovative applications of daylighting using various methods to deliver natural light into spaces and create visually appealing natural lighting as part of an overall design. It also examines daylighting strategies, considerations, and material options for successful project planning. By incorporating daylighting into projects, architects can create innovative environments that meet the sustainability goals of the building and the health, safety, and welfare needs of its occupants. Applicable credits and features in the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction rating system and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2 are noted.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Modern security bollards are highly engineered and tested devices that can withstand deliberate ramming by a 15,000 lb vehicle. Bollards are more than decorative boundary markers; they are an essential tool to protect lives and property. This course explains bollard crash testing standards, reviews the pros and cons of available bollard materials, and discusses steel bollard designs for low- and high-impact applications.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Uncorrected thermal bridging can account for 20–70% of heat flow through a building's envelope. Improving details to mitigate both point and linear thermal bridges will significantly improve energy performance. This course reviews types of thermal bridges, examines how they appear in codes and standards, and explores some mitigation concepts and principles. Calculation methods to account for thermal bridging in your projects are introduced, and a sample design project is used to demonstrate code compliance.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The look of wood adds warmth and aesthetic appeal to building designs that other materials, such as masonry, metals, and glass, cannot replicate. However, since natural wood may not be suitable for Class 1–3 commercial projects, innovative composite and synthetic materials have been developed to overcome the limitations of real wood. This course provides a comprehensive examination of eight wood-inspired design technologies that mimic the appearance of natural wood while meeting fire performance standards. The role of wood-plastic composite (WPC) hybrid products in fulfilling the requirements of the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C) rating system is also reviewed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In today’s digitally interconnected world, data centers play an essential role in society and the global economy. Data centers have unique design needs to ensure security, reliability, efficiency, scalability, and sustainability. This course focuses on the exterior data center design requirements and examines how fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) products contribute to more efficient facility construction, seamless maintenance, and long-term operational savings.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Insulation can help increase overall energy efficiency, minimize the spread of fire, manage risks associated with moisture and mold, and improve occupant comfort. Choosing the right insulation and putting it in the right location is becoming one of the most important decisions in design, construction, and retrofit. Reviewed in this course are the features, benefits, and design and installation considerations related to mineral wool continuous insulation.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

    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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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. 

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Building a stronger connection with nature is critical to maintaining human health and well-being. Composite wood decking is a durable, environmentally sustainable product that can help build links with nature through outdoor living spaces. This course examines the different decking options and explains the sustainability benefits of using composite decking and how it can help meet green building requirements. Various design innovations that enhance occupant well-being are also discussed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Access panels are covers for the openings in walls or ceilings that allow access to concealed equipment for the purpose of maintenance or replacement. This course provides a detailed understanding of architectural wall and ceiling access panels, including how they are specified, installed, and finished. Design and selection considerations such as ventilation options, safety, security, and fire-rated enclosures are also examined.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 601 results.

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