Ontario Association of Architects

The Ontario Association of Architects is dedicated to promoting and increasing the knowledge, skill and proficiency of its members, and administering the Architects Act, to serve and protect the public interest.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 635 results.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Power and charging requirements for hospitality facilities are changing radically and rapidly. This course examines the options for and benefits of supplying power and charging outlets in walls, furniture, headboards, nightstands, public seating, and public gathering spaces, including outdoor areas, as well as the applicable codes for furniture-based power outlets. The course concludes with an overview of the benefits of occupancy sensors and auto-off switches in guest rooms and the installation requirements to comply with energy and electrical codes.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Acrylic solid surface is an attractive design solution, delivering enhanced aesthetics combined with superior performance properties. This course compares the characteristics of 100% acrylic solid surface to other surface materials and reviews the driving factors that contribute to its growing role in sustainable design strategies. Also discussed are the manufacturing, fabricating, and thermoforming processes of acrylic solid surface and the related green standards and certification programs.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Architectural canopies are versatile additions to a wide variety of commercial buildings and serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. They can highlight entrances, create visual interest, support signs and lights, and offer protection from snow, rain, and sun. This course examines canopy types, styles, materials, finishes, and wall attachment considerations and offers guidance on how to select the right system for a project. Case studies demonstrate how canopies can assist in solving common building design challenges.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Air barriers improve the health and comfort of building occupants, improve energy efficiency, and prevent premature degradation of materials, increasing the structure’s life cycle. A successful air and moisture barrier system means under-slab, below-grade, and above-grade systems must work together to provide a continuous barrier. This course looks at above-grade air barrier systems and their types and components. Continuity and compatibility, specification, and installation challenges are also considered.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Natural stone pathways offer functional, sustainable solutions that maximize user enjoyment of outdoor spaces without compromising aesthetics. This course reviews pathway material options in terms of durability, appearance, and financial and environmental costs and benefits. The focus is on three natural stone pathway mixes, designed to meet the permeability, erosion resistance, accessibility, traffic level, and installation and maintenance requirements of any project. Also reviewed are how these materials may contribute toward credits in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Sustainable SITES Initiative® (SITES®) v2 rating systems.

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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 ) 

    Exterior shading devices offer a number of advantages that contribute to a more sustainable building, including minimizing cooling costs, reducing peak electricity demand, and controlling glare. These benefits result in greater occupant comfort and improved productivity. This course provides a review of exterior aluminum shading device systems, including the components, finishes, and design and engineering considerations, as well as a discussion of how shading strategies contribute to LEED® certification.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    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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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In food and beverage, food processing/distribution, and cold storage facilities, it is important to use doors that can provide speed, safety, separation, and security. High-speed, high-cycle, roll-up doors provide all these elements better than conventional doors. This course provides an in-depth discussion of the different types of high-performance doors—fabric, rigid, and rubber—along with their benefits and functions in different applications. The specification criteria, design, and installation considerations for high-performance doors are also discussed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Industrial-strength ladders must provide functional safety for users in varied and demanding building environments. Aluminum ladders are up to the challenge of virtually any application thanks to aluminum’s high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and corrosion resistance. This course reviews ladder types and safety considerations and discusses how the sustainability benefits of aluminum along with its other attributes make it an ideal material for heavy-duty ladders.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Radon is a colorless, odorless gas, a Class A carcinogen, the leading cause of cancer after smoking, and the leading cause of death for nonsmokers. It is found in soil, rock, and groundwater. If radon enters a home through slabs, basements, and crawl spaces, breathing it can lead to illness or even death. This course examines how the gas travels through soil and into structures and the various interception approaches and materials that can be utilized to prevent entry into inhabited spaces. It also highlights building code requirements and language that can assist with ensuring the correct radon interception systems are designed and installed effectively.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Hidden access covers blend utility access covers with the surface continuity of streetscape, hardscape, and landscape designs. This course reviews the functions, product types, and specification and installation considerations of hidden access cover solutions.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Standing seam metal roofing has been used successfully in the United States for centuries, and proper specification is key to realizing its intended performance. Examined here are: the factors driving the demand for standing seam metal roof and wall systems; standing seam panel basics; gauge and grade; oil canning; specification considerations; testing standards; and forming, delivery, storage, handling and warranty.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    When deciding on outdoor cabinetry, understanding the available material options is essential to the selection of a long-lasting, sustainable choice. This course reviews the pros and cons of these options, with a focus on the attributes, sustainability, and performance characteristics of marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, engineered to withstand extreme conditions while maintaining optimal structural integrity.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This introductory course on spray polyurethane foam (SPF) covers component chemistry, different types of SPF, and the proper use of SPF in construction applications. In addition, the course addresses code compliance related to SPF for residential and commercial construction, as well as safe SPF installation practices. Participants will come away with a strong knowledge of how the proper use and application of spray foam can improve the indoor environment and the durability of the built environment.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Light-manipulating glass products transport, redirect, refract, and reflect light to create architectural spaces that engage occupants with the unexpected interplay of light and shadow. This course explores these durable, functional products and their many options for customization. Also reviewed is how glass panels may apply to several credits and features in the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The use of sliding doors in commercial applications is increasing at an exponential rate as facilities embrace the ability to reclaim previously unused space and create wider paths of travel. This course is designed to provide architects, designers, and specifiers with a comprehensive understanding of sliding door locking solutions in commercial spaces and the role of door hardware in ensuring safety, security, and accessibility. By analyzing case studies and exploring the features and benefits of sliding door locking solutions, participants will be able to make informed decisions when specifying sliding door systems for commercial spaces.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The thermal and dual modification of wood are processes used to improve wood’s profile in terms of durability, dimensional stability, overall performance, and inherent resilience and sustainability. The resulting products can be utilized in many building applications, from decking and siding to pergolas and nonstructural beams, as well as paneling, soffits, and interior trim applications. This course explores the science behind the thermal and dual modification of wood. Examples of modified wood and case studies are also reviewed.  

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets the minimum requirements for newly designed and constructed or renovated state and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. Many projects must also follow the provisions of the 2017 version of ICC A117.1,  Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities . This course identifies the benefits of accessibility standards and the prescriptive requirements for accessible restrooms set by the ADA and ICC A117.1.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Fire safety and suppression are essential design features for building projects. This course explores how innovative water mist fire suppression systems can enhance occupant safety in homes while preserving aesthetics and minimizing water damage. Key design principles of electronically controlled water mist systems are examined, and their installation and maintenance are described. Also discussed is guidance for dealing with code officials when using these systems as an alternative to traditional fire sprinklers.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    With the demand for sustainable power on the rise, building owners and homeowners alike are turning to solar power as a supplemental power generator. Choosing the right platform for the solar panels is a critical step in the design process and can have a significant impact on both initial and long-term costs. This course discusses the basics of photovoltaic systems, including the components and rooftop applications. Comparisons between traditional roofing and standing seam metal roofing platforms are examined, and the benefits of a nonpenetrating clamping system are discussed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Keeping bathrooms and kitchens clean and hygienic is essential to health and well-being but can be challenging in busy family homes. This course introduces some basic principles of home hygiene, provides an overview of the most effective cleaning strategies, and shows how contemporary kitchen and bathroom technology and design innovations can make hygienic cleaning substantially easier. Technologies discussed include touchless activation, intelligent toilets, bidet seats, and antimicrobial surfaces.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Properly selecting and implementing lighting in harsh and hazardous environments is crucial for ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants as well as the operational integrity of facilities. This course outlines the critical aspects of lighting for harsh and hazardous conditions, including classifications of hazardous areas, ignition protection methods for lighting, and key specification and maintenance considerations necessary for ensuring a safe environment.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Locating mechanical and electrical equipment on a roof is often necessary for space and efficiency in a building design. However, it can be challenging to provide a means for safe maintenance access while preserving the roof membrane and structural integrity and not interfering with other rooftop equipment. This course presents the components that comprise rooftop support systems designed to solve these challenges, as well as system design considerations and compliance with the International Building Code® (IBC®) and the International Mechanical Code® (IMC®).

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The demand for mass timber construction has increased significantly in recent years due to its numerous benefits, including sustainability, strength, faster construction times, cost savings, and a natural wood aesthetic. However, a major drawback of mass timber construction is its poor acoustical performance. This course examines the various mass timber construction types and provides acoustical solutions to meet and surpass building codes.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 635 results.

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