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 626 results.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Healthcare facilities are striving to meet the needs of all patients and caregivers by offering healthy, safe, and inclusive spaces that can be repurposed quickly if needed. This course reviews innovations in plumbing design, such as vacuum plumbing and its applications, and explores how these design innovations support trending healthcare needs, including infection prevention, behavioral healthcare, and bariatric applications, and fulfill ADA requirements. Several case studies showcasing successful examples are also covered.

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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 ) 

    A large portion of new commercial and residential buildings built today are equipped with clear, floor-to-ceiling glass. Does this new expansive area of glass lead to daylight optimization? This course explains the impacts of daylighting on human health and building occupant comfort. Proactive and reactive automated shading systems are discussed, and the course explains how a properly designed shading system can reduce whole-building energy consumption. Automated shading systems in projects of various scopes and scales are also discussed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This presentation provides an overview of sustainable materials for the bath, including production, performance, maintenance, and frameworks for assessment, and focuses on recycled copper, sustainably made concrete, FSC®-certified bamboo, and reclaimed wood.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course explores how the use of color and coil and extrusion coated metal building products can help you make a big visual impact on your next façade design. Learn about the coating process, color theory, the chemistry behind color creation, and the benefits of solar reflective pigments.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Automated-shading systems are designed to maximize natural daylight, increase building energy efficiency, and ensure occupants have a comfortable environment with views to the outside. This course will explain how an automated shading system predicts, monitors, and responds to the daily microclimate surrounding a building to effectively manage daylight, solar-heat gain, occupant comfort levels, and energy use demands.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Pass-through windows are a common and convenient method of conducting transactions in a variety of settings, some of which may present concerns for the security of the employees behind the windows. This course addresses the protection options available for security pass-through windows. Proper specification of pass-through windows as well as convenience and performance features are also discussed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Color is often used functionally across many design elements; this can also be done with concrete by simply dosing standard concrete mix designs with pigment. Using pigment, concrete can be transformed from a plain, common material into a beautiful, sustainable, and enduring building element. Adding pigments to concrete elevates a project's quality and impact. This course presents basic knowledge of how concrete pigments are manufactured and how they are measured and dispensed to produce the desired color hue and intensity capable of elevating a project to the next level.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Urban warming negatively impacts human health and quality of life, energy use, air quality, social equity, and economic prosperity. This course describes how solar reflective cool roof and wall materials help protect individuals and communities from the impacts of extreme heat and discusses the factors that influence energy savings and performance. The course also notes various climate resilience initiatives, green building programs, and energy codes that require or promote the use of cool roofs or walls and concludes by explaining the important role of third-party product ratings and the educational resources available online.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Building science experts have acknowledged the need for both drainage and ventilation in exterior wall systems in order to eliminate moisture issues and extend the life of buildings. This presentation reviews the concepts of rainscreen technology and the solutions for compliance with a focus on engineered rainscreen drainage and ventilation mats used in direct-applied and ventilated wall designs. Prerequisites: No Course Level: Introductory

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Cleanliness and sanitation are important aspects of buildings and businesses, especially in restrooms. Users want environments where they don’t have to worry about picking up germs while owners desire solutions that are safe, attractive, and cost effective. Smart, connected fixtures can leverage sensor technology to optimize user experiences while also streamlining the management of building facilities, conserving water, and providing a hygienic, touchless experience for users. 

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    The use of life safety dampers is driven by requirements in various building codes. There are many different applications for which fire, fire/smoke, smoke, and/or ceiling radiation dampers can be used, each having its own specific purpose and unique installation requirements. This course gives an in-depth look at the different types of dampers and explains how and where they're each used and installed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course provides architects and designers with a comprehensive understanding of the transformative potential of modern gas fireplaces in contemporary design. It covers key technologies such as direct vent systems, frameless designs, natural heat release systems, and heat control innovations. Participants will recognize how to incorporate fireplaces as both functional heating solutions and architectural design elements. The course also reviews important safety features, including double-glass heat barriers, to ensure compliance with modern standards.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Food and wine preservation refers to the process of storing products under ideal conditions in order to maximize longevity. Preserving food and wine maximizes its shelf life and flavor which, in turn, enhances the enjoyment of its consumption. Additionally, proper preservation results in less waste and saves the consumer money. This course reviews the causes of premature food deterioration, the optimal conditions for storing wine and food, and the solutions that are available with a focus on modern refrigeration units.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Door systems are an integral part of educational facilities. This course discusses their importance in creating a safe and secure learning environment and explores the different types of doors, frames, and hardware components. Also covered are industry standards, compliance requirements for fire and life safety, accessibility, and security measures that enhance the safety of the door assembly. The course concludes with some practical applications and case studies in educational settings.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In the fight against climate change, efforts intensify against the planet’s number one enemy—carbon dioxide. The building industry will play a significant role in these efforts. Embodied carbon—the global greenhouse gas emissions generated from sourcing raw material and processing, manufacturing, transporting, and installing building materials—will be the target over the next decade. This course will define embodied carbon, its impact on greenhouse gas emissions, the construction industry's impact, and the methods and tools that building designers can employ to limit embodied carbon.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Selecting a countertop surface today, whether for a break lounge or a reception desk, means weighing the relative sustainability of the choices while considering whether the material meets the design objectives of the space. This course will help you decide whether quartz surfacing does that. We will review its performance characteristics and environmental and human health impacts, compare it to other options, and guide selection and design.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Inclusive design is a win-win for customers and businesses. It shows the business supports the assumption that public spaces should be functional for all users no matter their age, health, or abilities. The commitment to inclusivity encompasses promoting and respecting everyone’s right to choose a washroom. This course explores the benefits of inclusive spaces and discusses the sustainable, hygienic, functional, and distinctive design and material options for inclusive public bathrooms.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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. 

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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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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) system provides occupants with filtered, balanced, and tempered air within their living space. Airborne contaminants can be greatly reduced with ERV systems. This course provides knowledge about the need, use, design, and installation of ERVs in the modern dwelling unit and when retrofitting existing structures. The course also addresses the environmental advantages of sustainable and healthy solutions for indoor air quality.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Designing with green roofs affords design professionals opportunities to plan projects with exciting new elements, added value, and significant, tangible benefits, thereby enhancing the built environment with newly-created landscapes. This course examines green roof systems, including the types, benefits, components, and related standards. As well, it provides a discussion on how green roofs mitigate urban heat island effect and reduce stormwater runoff.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Meeting the ventilation requirements of ASHRAE 62.2 and maintaining an energy efficient home means balancing the need for fresh outdoor air and the energy needed to condition it. In this course we will examine the ventilation requirements in ASHRAE 62.2, discuss how they can be met, and look at some solutions for energy efficient ventilating.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Roof and floor hatches offer practical solutions for improving accessibility, safety, and functionality in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They must be designed and specified to provide safe access to rooftops and below-ground spaces to facilitate maintenance, inspections, equipment installations, and more. The specification considerations for roof, floor, and skylight hatches are presented here. Discussions include size considerations, material options, types of operation, safety features, loads, and thermal, fire, and acoustic performance.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 626 results.

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