The Nova Scotia Association of Architects

The Nova Scotia Association of Architects (NSAA) is a self-governing professional association established in 1932, and mandated by the Province of Nova Scotia under The Architects Act to regulate the practice of architecture in the province.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 60 results.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Traditionally, hydraulic doors have been used in aviation hangars and agricultural and commercial applications. Recently, they’ve found unique uses, such as in shipping containers and residential installations. This course reviews the types of hydraulic doors available and how they promote user well-being, safety, and ADA compliance. Also reviewed are installation methods, cladding options, and applicable standards and performance characteristics.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Homeowners are looking for alternatives to traditional cladding materials that are affordable and long lasting and require little or no upkeep. Advances in technology and manufacturing techniques mean cellular PVC cladding products can meet all these requirements without sacrificing aesthetics. This course reviews the benefits of cellular PVC as a cladding material and discusses how cellular PVC rebutted and rejointed (R&R) prefinished shingles can provide the look and feel of wood shingles with an extended level of durability and low maintenance.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    When designing noise control measures for a building, it is critical to look beyond the sound transmission class (STC) and impact insulation class (IIC) ratings in order to create an ideal environment that promotes occupant well-being, protects their hearing, and fulfills the project’s needs. This course provides an overview of noise control principles, construction composites, and design methodologies that reduce noise, with an emphasis on performance-oriented designs requiring third-party acoustical consultants.

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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, 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, 30 minutes ) 

    An ideal railing system enhances the appeal and value of a property and contributes to design as well as safety, while not requiring large amounts of time or money to maintain. This course presents an overview of railing system material options with a focus on aluminum and thermoplastic. The performance, design, and sustainability benefits of each material are discussed, along with mounting and aesthetic options. The course concludes with tips on selecting the right railing system for the project and case studies showcasing aluminum and thermoplastic railing system installations.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Lightweight, prefinished, and factory-fabricated insulated metal panels (IMPs) offer building owners a durable, cost-efficient, and easy-to-install roofing system that provides an air barrier, vapor barrier, and insulation all in one product. This course discusses the characteristics of IMPs and the installation process and explains why IMPs are ideally suited for pre-engineered and structural steel buildings. The role of IMPs in a building’s hygrothermal control layers and IMP code compliance are reviewed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

    Masonry is an ideal sustainable building construction material as it is extremely durable, recyclable, and reusable. It allows for extraordinary design versatility, so it can meet both aesthetic and functional requirements. This course looks at the design elements, components, and construction techniques that characterize sustainable masonry cavity wall building envelopes.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The operation of mechanical equipment generates vibration and noise, which, if left untreated, can damage the building structure and the equipment itself and be a source of discomfort for building occupants. This course examines HVAC equipment vibration and the specification of isolation solutions. It provides discussions on each of the ASHRAE isolator and base types and describes some acoustical floor treatments.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Although known for being a strong and versatile building material, there are a number of factors that affect the sustainability of concrete, and a variety of measures that can be taken to increase its durability and extend its service life, thus protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the users. This course discusses the environmental impact of concrete and some of the main causes of concrete deterioration, and examines how crystalline waterproofing technology can be employed to increase the durability and sustainability of concrete.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Contrast therapy, the controlled use of heat and cold, has supported health, recovery, and wellness practices for centuries. This course examines the science, design, and construction of modern contrast therapy environments, including saunas, steam rooms, and cold rooms. It explains how temperature control, material specification, and system design influence safety, hygiene, and performance. The course also addresses how prefabricated systems improve installation efficiency, durability, and indoor environmental quality.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Typically, all the brick selected for a given project will be either full bed depth (anchored) or thin brick (adhered); however, situations may benefit from combining the two types of masonry veneer on a project. The intent of this course is to differentiate between the types of brick masonry veneer, discuss the unique detailing required when combining veneer types, and provide project examples demonstrating where both types of masonry veneer have been successfully integrated. This course will focus on exterior applications of anchored and adhered masonry veneer.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Thermal modification is a tried and tested process for increasing the durability of wood while maintaining a warm aesthetic in building design. This course examines all aspects of this sustainable wood product and how it can be incorporated into a variety of projects.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The growing global population is creating an increased demand for resources. As a result, there is a need to replace fossil-based, nonrenewable building materials with more bio-based materials, such as bamboo. This course describes the properties of bamboo that make it a more sustainable choice, including its fast growth and CO2 saving and storing potential. It also discusses how active bamboo reforestation and the use of durable bamboo products can lead to CO2 reduction across many industries.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    As part of a well-designed rainscreen system, single-skin metal panels offer unique aesthetic options combined with the assurance that the building envelope will withstand the effects of long-term exposure to the elements. This course compares common cladding types; presents single-skin metal panel materials, coatings, finishes, and design options; and examines using single-skin metal panels with a single-component barrier wall to form a complete rainscreen assembly. This course is one of two identical courses titled Single-Skin Metal Panel Building Envelope Solutions . You will receive credit for taking only one of these courses.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Glass wall and door systems endow architectural concepts with transparent elegance. This course covers the benefits of interior glass wall and door systems and includes discussions on types of glass walls and operable systems; door types, rails, headers, hardware, and applications; glass types; and access control. It presents design and code considerations and specification of glass assemblies.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Flexible work scheduling, telework, virtual work, and the high cost of office space are some of the drivers of the 21st century workspace. This open, flexible, adaptable, and casual space must still serve not only the technological needs of its users, but also the accessibility needs of a diverse population. This course examines the technical requirements for providing accessibility, universal design, and ergonomics in an open office space and looks at a variety of solutions in the functional areas of the office: open office areas, the workspace, and collaboration areas.

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  • ( ~ 15 minutes ) 

    Code-mandated requirements for inspections first appeared in the Uniform Building Code in 1927, and their original intent is still recognizable in our current codes: inspections by a building official are required at specific points in the construction process. In this course, we will examine an alternative to the periodic inspection process, the full-time inspector of record (IOR). We’ll review the historical context and qualifications of the IOR, when a project may benefit from an IOR, and the impact of using an IOR on life safety and property damage.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    It’s imperative to have a dependable, well-designed fire protection system that helps save lives and property. This course is designed to advance awareness and understanding about the wide range of components, functionality, and benefits of today’s most innovative standpipe fire systems and how to select the optimal system for your design based on building type, codes, and other requirements.

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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 ) 

    Falls are responsible for more open wounds, fractures, and brain injuries than any other cause of injury. Photoluminescent (PL) exit path markers have proven to provide safe and quick egress in all light conditions for occupants and fail-safe guidance to first responders entering unfamiliar surroundings in the event of an emergency. This course discusses the benefits of PL safety products and the codes and testing standards related to PL way-finding systems.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The selection of windows and doors for a particular project must satisfy its aesthetic and functional requirements. However, we also want windows and doors to be safe, durable, leak-free, and energy efficient and meet the needs of those with disabilities. The International Building Code® and related standards ensure that windows and doors support public health, safety, well-being, and energy efficiency. This course provides an overview of the codes and standards for doors and windows, including weather resistance, durability, egress, safety, and accessibility requirements.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

    Within building spaces, noise can be reduced by using materials or assemblies that isolate sound or mitigate its transmission. To do this, it is important to understand how sound moves through building materials and partitions and the impact of sound mitigation products. In this course, we look at the basics of sound as well as techniques and products to prevent sound transmission.

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