The Alberta Association of Architects

The Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) serves the public and its members by administering the standard of practice for the professions of architecture and interior design in Alberta.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 631 results.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Electric heating systems have been in use for over a century, and in that period, they have significantly advanced in terms of their efficiency, cost effectiveness, safety, versatility, and appearance. Recently, electricity production itself has become more and more environmentally friendly and economically viable. This course explores how the wide range of contemporary electric heating options can efficiently and economically address virtually every heating need in every building type and thus capitalize on the steadily increasing benefits of electricity to create the most environmentally responsible and economically viable heating solutions.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    An undercounter refrigeration appliance is neither just a box to keep things cold nor a standby, compact appliance selected on price alone. Undercounter refrigeration provides creative design opportunities to add refrigeration in almost every area of a home. Today’s undercounter refrigeration options include beverage centers, wine cellars, freezers, ice machines, and beverage dispensers and can offer varying degrees of cooling performance, flexible storage configurations, and a wide range of styles and finishes. This course examines the cooling technologies used in undercounter refrigeration and reviews the essential features to consider before buying undercounter refrigeration.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Low Impact Development (LID) has several advantages over traditional stormwater management approaches. Since impervious pavement is the main source of stormwater runoff, LID strategies recommend permeable paving for hard surfaces. The course discusses LID, its goals and principles, and how they are achieved. It provides an overview of permeable pavements, and more particularly, plastic permeable grid paver systems and how they support LID goals.

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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, 30 minutes ) 

    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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Kitchens have evolved, and so has the role of refrigeration in the home; there are a variety of factors that are contributing to this change. This course examines the social, economic, and demographic trends that are stimulating the reimagining of the kitchen space. The latest trends in kitchen design are discussed as is the role of modular refrigeration—a key design element in the creation of functional spaces that reflect the changing domestic landscape.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

    From classrooms to boardrooms to living rooms, hanging display systems enhance spaces and provide design freedom. This course examines wall hanging systems with a focus on integrating systems in the overall design of a project and includes discussions on system elements, selection criteria, specialty applications, and sustainable design.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    With office vacancies rising amid changes in technology and the growth of working from home during the COVID pandemic, the practice of converting office buildings into residential spaces such as apartments, condominiums, and hotels has been embraced by communities and all levels of government as a solution to the housing crisis. This course examines the factors behind these conversions, with emphasis on the use of in-wall toilet systems as a solution to design, economic, and sustainability concerns.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines the key reasons flooring fails, from inadequate subfloor preparation to improper installation techniques. Covering a range of flooring types, the course identifies common pitfalls and best practices for durable, high-quality installations that enhance performance and safety. This course is designed for architects and industry professionals and offers guidance on selecting and specifying the right products and solutions to ensure long-lasting flooring success and occupant safety.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines the design and benefits of pre-engineered trench drains in a sustainable wastewater management system. Discover how they effectively manage water runoff, prevent ponding, and enhance safety in transportation, industrial facilities, and public spaces while supporting sustainable practices. Explore system types, maintenance strategies, and performance optimization, along with guidance on funding and compliance. Gain the knowledge to implement smarter, safer, and more efficient water management solutions in your next project.

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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 ) 

    Firestopping is more than installing sealant in an opening. It is a critical component of a building’s overall life-safety system. This course discusses how a properly installed firestop system not only protects property but, more importantly, also saves lives by inhibiting the spread of fire from compartment to compartment and buying valuable time for occupants to exit the structure in the event of a catastrophic fire.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Material transparency is a growing initiative in the green and healthy building arena. This course reviews legislation that provides the baseline for healthy and sustainable materials and discusses the limitations of those regulations. It also explores the predominant green building programs and how material transparency can help achieve certification. Learners will leave this course with an understanding of how to access, analyze, and apply material transparency to their projects and leverage initiatives to support a healthier, more sustainable building industry.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Metal is a versatile building material, boasting both historical credentials and modern aesthetics. To earn the right to rise to the top as the material of choice, however, metal must also demonstrate cost efficiency, durability, and minimal environmental impact. In this course, we will examine the value of metal roofs and walls during initial construction and through a building’s life cycle and illustrate metal’s benefits with a number of case studies.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The green building movement has been fueled by a variety of factors, including effects on the environment and human health. This course looks closely at high-pressure laminate (HPL), which covers horizontal and vertical surfaces in many different types of commercial, institutional, and residential buildings. As part of a variety of other products, such as cabinetry, countertops, wall coverings, and furnishings, it can contribute directly to sustainable building design solutions. HPL products can be specified that meet accepted standards for minimizing or reducing environmental and health impacts. All these can be documented to assist in green building certification programs such as LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, the WELL Building Standard™ version 2 (WELL v2™), and others.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Solid surface is a popular material choice due to its beauty, durability, and ease of cleaning. Selecting a solid surface depends on the manufacturing process, the raw materials involved, and the material’s sustainability. This course examines solid surface as a decorative material, discusses its characteristics and attributes, and compares it with other hard surface materials

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  • ( ~ 15 minutes ) 

    The first course of this series from the Carbon Leadership Forum provides a high-level overview of embodied carbon: how it is defined, its significance in the global climate crisis, and how it is impacted by the construction industry. In addition, the course examines procurement policies as an embodied carbon reduction strategy—in particular, the Buy Clean policies, their uptake in the US, and their key elements.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly becoming ubiquitous. To serve them sufficiently, there must be a massive expansion of car charging options, and that infers that planners and designers must create those options and opportunities now. This course examines the current trends in, and predictions for, EV chargers, the various types and their attributes, where and how they might be installed for maximum effectiveness, and the programs and incentives that apply to both EVs and their charger requirements.

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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 choice of flooring is an important consideration in museums; their popularity brings a high volume of foot traffic, and museum spaces have a wide range of flooring needs. This course discusses how recycled rubber flooring is a good choice for museums because of its sustainability, durability, low maintenance requirements, performance attributes, and wide variety of design options.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Designers increasingly focus on creating environments that improve the health, welfare, and productivity of occupants. This includes providing the benefits of daylight, fresh air, and access to the outdoors. This course explores how retractable roofs can extend the use of outdoor spaces year-round by converting them to daylit indoor spaces seasonally or with sudden weather changes. It explains the economic benefits, structure, and operation of various retractable roof types and how they can be customized to suit multiple site sizes and types, including rooftops. The course concludes with a series of case studies.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing is one of the best and easiest ways to prevent the spread of germs. However, drying hands is just as important as washing them. This course introduces the reader to the main features of air knife hand dryers and discusses how their technical components, such as high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filtration, touch-free operation, and fast dry times, contribute to their hygienic performance.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Not only is standing seam metal roofing (SSMR) robust and durable, but the seam itself also provides a convenient anchorage point for the mounting of rooftop equipment. This course reviews the features and advantages of SSMR in terms of durability and sustainability, and the appropriate attachment solutions for mounting equipment. The course focuses on nonpenetrating roof seam clamps and design considerations for their use with snow retention and solar panel systems.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 631 results.

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