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 590 results.
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https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s3515/www.aecdaily.com/course/960918
Recent events have emphasized the importance of proper hygiene, especially in public restrooms. Presented here is a discussion on which public restroom surfaces commonly promote the spread of germs and how touchless sink faucets can be used to reduce the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Design professionals will learn about water treatment and filtration options and water system management strategies, and how to apply preventative measures to create hygienic public restrooms that support public safety.
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/s8547/www.aecdaily.com/course/1109758
The United Nations has set 2030 as the deadline for member nations to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The construction industry has set complementary goals, including the AIA 2030 Commitment to reach net zero emissions in the built environment by 2030. This course discusses how circular economy building products are necessary to achieve sustainable design goals and presents the case study of Kohler WasteLAB, a small manufacturing business within Kohler Company that creates beautiful products for the home from waste.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s17445/www.aecdaily.com/course/1053011
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.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1167796/www.aecdaily.com/course/1180432
Architects and designers are responsible for planning the provision of drinking water in commercial and residential facilities, yet this essential element is often overlooked in sustainable design. This course covers the main water delivery methods (tap, bottled, and filtration systems) and their impacts on the health of people and the environment. Additionally, the course examines multifunctional taps equipped with three-in-one filtration that promote sustainable water delivery and 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.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s420795/www.aecdaily.com/course/874439
The construction of residential and commercial buildings that use less energy to operate and are long lived is a key part of sustainable design. Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) provide the necessary U-factor, airtightness, resiliency, and durability for all building types. Insulated concrete forms in residential and commercial construction projects offer excellent thermal performance and reduced energy consumption and operating costs, while maintaining a very comfortable and healthy interior environment. This course examines the ICF wall, including materials and components, and discusses design considerations and construction.
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/s743103/www.aecdaily.com/course/968006
There is no substitute for the natural beauty of newly installed tropical hardwood, but keeping it looking great and achieving the desired performance over time require careful attention to detail. Choosing the best hardwood species and specifying the appropriate fastening and finishing systems will ensure an aesthetically pleasing, low-maintenance, and successful design in terms of installation, performance, and appearance. This course discusses wood species specification, installation techniques, and finishing methods for tropical hardwoods in conventional and sustainable buildings. As well, international programs that are used to successfully determine sustainability are examined.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s8769/www.aecdaily.com/course/1004301
A well-designed queuing system not only offers structure, efficiency, safety, and accessibility but also can enhance the aesthetics and visual appeal of an environment. This course presents an overview of the important factors that need to be considered when designing and specifying public queuing and pedestrian flow systems to facilitate a positive and orderly waiting experience.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1043551/www.aecdaily.com/course/1061942
Direct vent fireplaces are safe and efficient supplemental heat sources in today’s homes. This course reviews the innovative design options for gas fireplaces, including media options, cool wall technology, and safety barriers. Direct and power vent heat delivery systems are discussed, and the impact of standing versus electric pilot lights on energy efficiency is examined.
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/s5023/www.aecdaily.com/course/899778
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.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s652237/www.aecdaily.com/course/854915
Artificial turf is essentially a flooring fabric made from a variety of materials and layers. Since its creation, the artificial turf industry has studied the behavior of natural grass and the safety and sustainability of artificial grass. This course examines today’s artificial grass systems and discusses how they are carefully planned, designed, and built to suit the specific needs of an outdoor residential or commercial landscape.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s795432/www.aecdaily.com/course/946684
The US has the highest incarceration rate in the world, and with recidivism rates as high as 75% within five years, the prospects for released inmates are dim. There is no simple solution to these issues, but one approach is to focus on rehabilitation to help inmates reintegrate successfully into society upon release. This course looks at the role evidence-based building design can play in a rehabilitative environment that promotes healing, autonomy, and growth. Design strategies are presented with a focus on ADA-compliant, ligature-resistant plumbing products and water management systems that support a clean, safe, secure, rehabilitative environment.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s5712/www.aecdaily.com/course/1136257
This course explores a 5,000-square-foot office expansion recently completed by Excel Dryer. The building owner was committed to reducing their environmental impact and building a beautiful, healthy, sustainable, and functional space. This course discusses the relevant tools for sustainable, healthy buildings, including the WELL Building Standard™ version 2 and the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction rating system. The methods for achieving these goals are examined through various building products and systems: walls, furniture, HVAC, sound masking and acoustic systems, flooring, daylighting and solar shading, and plumbing.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s20151/www.aecdaily.com/course/1002626
Roofing is one of the most common renovation projects on commercial buildings. Upgrading a roof assembly to meet current building standards provides an opportunity to save energy and maintain the necessary fire and structural performance. This course reviews the code requirements for commercial reroofing and discusses how reroofing can improve a building’s energy efficiency.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s925274/www.aecdaily.com/course/936318
Detectable warning surfaces are surfaces designed to warn the visually impaired of hazards in the path of travel. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) accessibility guidelines require detectable warning surfaces at public rights-of-way locations. The state of California is a leader in its requirements for detectable warning surfaces. This course introduces the current guidelines and regulations regarding detectable warning surfaces, as well as the different types of surface systems and installation methods.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s9572/www.aecdaily.com/course/969550
Underslab moisture is something that designers need to take into consideration in both the design and construction phases of a building project. It can cause many problems for the building and the health of its occupants over the course of its life span; however, if properly addressed during design and construction, many of these issues can be mitigated. This course looks at the different types of moisture movement that exist below the slab, examines solutions for a variety of site conditions, and reviews best practices for managing moisture.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s12209/www.aecdaily.com/course/1028782
Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) insulation is one of North America’s most widely used, readily available, and cost-effective insulation products. While polyiso is currently most commonly known for its use on roofs and walls, this course focuses on the many benefits of using it in below-grade installations in order to meet energy codes, maximize the building foundation’s thermal performance, and extend the overall life of the structure. The course explores the requirements for three primary characteristics of any below-grade insulation—thermal performance, water absorption, and load capacity—and describes how polyiso meets or exceeds those requirements and protects the foundation waterproofing system.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1217/www.aecdaily.com/course/1175410
This course examines key selection criteria for stage flooring, including fixed, sprung, and dynamic systems. It covers permanent and portable solutions, surface materials, and sustainability in material choice and life-cycle management. Case studies highlight the impact of flooring on performance quality, safety, and environmental factors. The course also addresses accessibility, installation, refurbishment, and related manufacturer services.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s14550/www.aecdaily.com/course/1124046
Deck railing systems provide the finishing touch to an outdoor area, as well as safety and improved accessibility. Choosing a system that suits a deck project’s needs depends on a variety of factors, including cost, durability, style, customization, maintenance, and eco-friendliness. This course explores the many railing materials that are available, with a focus on aluminum, composite, and aluminum and composite railing systems, whose characteristics are ideal for most projects.
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/s15612/www.aecdaily.com/course/1007626
High-performance waterproof panels are engineered to mitigate moisture damage in areas where water is ever present while offering easy installation and lasting beauty. This course reviews the importance of moisture management in wet applications and examines the performance attributes of waterproof panels that make them a complete wall solution.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s677063/www.aecdaily.com/course/1104741
Designing beautiful, sustainable, high-performance buildings can help your structures leave a lasting impression and positive impact. Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) accomplish that while providing innovative design possibilities for single or multistory projects. Learn about the features and advantages of building with ICFs designed as a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution that offers substantial benefits over traditional construction methods.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s2356/www.aecdaily.com/course/893368
An air curtain, also known as an air door, employs a controlled stream of air aimed across an opening to create an air seal. This seal separates different environments while allowing a smooth, unhindered flow of traffic and unobstructed vision through the opening. This course discusses how air curtains work and why they can contribute to occupant comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality when the door is open. It also reviews how air curtains improve whole-building energy efficiency versus conventional methods.
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