This course provides fundamental information about Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology while overviewing three different application projects that feature the design flexibility, efficiency and owner benefits of specifying VRF systems.

The pattern map evaluates a pattern on two key elements: structure and nature. This course explains why these two elements affect how we recognize and respond to patterns and examines ways to bridge architecture and nature by using architectural panel systems with patterned openings, and provide a sense of space, privacy, shade, or camouflage with cladding, screens, or railings.

HSW Justification: Architectural use of patterns plays a vital role in enhancing the Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) in of our built environments. Our mental well-being, for example, can be positively impacted through organic biophilic geometries that connect occupants to nature to positively affect mood and reduce stress, while geometric or crystalline patterns create the dynamic visual interest necessary for effective way-finding elements to prevent accidents and ensure safer navigation. Some patterns can also be visually transparent while others act as camouflage which can be an important consideration for surface treatment in circulation areas. From a macro perspective, patterns can promote inclusivity and community engagement, while enriching their overall user experience.

Learning Objective 1: Students will learn to compare patterns on a pattern map and explore how different geometries are perceived and processed in the mind of the user, how they contribute to issues affecting safety, and even encourage engagement in built environments.

Learning Objective 2: Students will learn to explain how different characteristics and application of a pattern’s functionality can impact on how we perceive visual space to improve safety and social interaction, as well as contribute to positive mental health.

Learning Objective 3: Students will learn the importance of selecting the most appropriate openness factor and base material for the given project objectives, for example, how to enhance natural light, improve air quality, and create a welcoming atmosphere in built environments.

Learning Objective 4: Students will learn how to apply HSW Best Practices to provide privacy, facade screening, camouflage, shade, or railings with architectural panels with patterned openings to best create a positive user experience.

This course will discuss light pollution and its relation to the International Dark-Sky Association. After taking this course, individuals will know the impacts of light pollution as well as the difference between IDA and non-IDA lighting.

At the end of this course, participants will learn:

1. To define IDA, light pollution, and related terms
2. To identify the impacts of light pollution
3. To demonstrate the difference between IDA and non-IDA lighting
4. To assess the process of establishing IDA certification

In this session, we will learn the fundamentals of all successful AE firms and provide the basis for making well-grounded business decisions. We will learn how firms can transition from being professionals providing services, to highly tuned businesses that can identify the needs of the marketplace and create services and products that are appropriately priced and yield consistent and greater profits.

Rather than seeking out new projects that merely build upon your current skills, you will start from a business-thinking mindset, where processes that are critical to building a thriving firm are examined and constituted in your firm. We will explore the importance of data within an architect firm and demonstrate how careful collection and interpretation can lead your firm into more exciting and profitable territory.

Following are the course's Learning Objectives:

1. Identify why a “business-thinking” mindset is of utmost importance for service professionals
2. Explain best practices for implementing a metrics-oriented leadership system
3. Summarize how data-based performance management drives smarter business decisions
4. Analyze how profitability drives growth rather than being merely a result
5. Reframe your firm as a platform that enables you to achieve your business and personal goals

Program: The Art and Technology of Lighting

This course will explore the use of exterior lighting to illuminate building facades, landscapes, pathways, plazas, and points of interest, like statues. Popular techniques (moonlighting, wall washing, grazing, etc.) will be defined and the performance of various lighting fixtures will be compared to help designers identify the fixtures best-suited for particular applications. Important considerations including: energy codes, dark sky criteria, and occupant safety will be addressed. The renovation of the exterior lighting at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, designed by Ardra Zinkon, will be profiled.

HSW Justification:
Exterior lighting can facilitate the enjoyment of an outdoor space and enhance the feeling of safety and security people experience in these areas, but the design of exterior lighting systems must accomplish more than bathing an area in illumination indiscriminately. Energy codes limit the amount of energy that the lighting system can consume and define lighting controls requirements to minimize energy waste. In addition, the Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO), developed by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), provides guidance on ways to reduce light pollution and glare that can be created by outdoor lighting. This course will provide designers with tips on how to create exterior lighting solutions that satisfy energy codes and dark sky criteria, while providing ample illumination to create beautiful and inviting outdoor spaces.

Learning Objective 1:
Create exterior lighting designs that provide the recommended levels of illumination for highlighting facades, supporting wayfinding, and accenting features of the outdoor space, while satisfying code-mandated energy use and controls requirements as well as dark sky criteria.

Dynamic lighting, also known as tunable, color-changing, and circadian lighting, is being adopted and employed in current lighting designs.  There are many studies showing the benefits of dynamic lighting in built environments.  Early adopters have seeded the market and several lighting manufacturers now employ some level of Dynamic Lighting. This course is intended to explore what  Dynamic Lighting is, how it works in commercial luminaires, how to control it, and where the lighting community is being directed by standards, regulation, and voice of the customer. 

At the end of this course, participants will learn:

1. Define elements of dynamic lighting.
2. Learn the uses of dynamic lighting.
3. See illustrations of how to control dynamic lighting.
4. Become aware of the regulations, standards, and customer requests that are driving adoption.

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. It also reviews a number of installations that demonstrate these principles.

This course will explore the requirements, challenges, and best practices for achieving the Circadian Lighting Design Feature L03 in the WELL Building Standard version 2.0.

HSW Justification:
The purpose of this feature in the WELL Building Standard is to provide building occupants with an appropriate exposure to the type of light that can maintain circadian health and align their circadian rhythm with the day-night cycle. The support of the circadian system has been shown to have tremendous health benefits to the people in the space.

Learning Objective 1:
Explain the relationship between spectral power distribution (SPD) and circadian lighting.

Learning Objective 2:
Summarize the circadian lighting feature requirements in the WELL Building Standard v2.

Learning Objective 3:
Describe a few best practices that can help architects to meet this challenging circadian lighting criteria.

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This course explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on design and construction decisions, particularly focusing on operable glass walls in interior and exterior applications, primarily in the hospitality industry. Students will gain familiarity with terminology, capabilities, and uses of operable glass walls, with an emphasis on addressing health concerns post-pandemic through responsive design. The course highlights how operable glass walls contribute to improving the health, safety, and well-being of building occupants while also providing psychological benefits by creating comfortable environments. Practical design concepts applicable to various commercial projects will be covered, with direct access to manufacturer resources for further assistance.

Learning Objective 1: You will be able to identify and recognize the significance of the health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic as they relate to building design and product selection.

Learning Objective 2: You will learn how to assess the safety aspects of incorporating design and product selections that protect buildings, occupants, and owners from harm and damage, particularly in light of unexpected violence and vandalism.

Learning Objective 3: You will be able to explain the welfare aspects of design and product selection that enable equitable access to all, can elevate the human experience with daylight and outdoor access, and benefit the environment through sustainable building design.

Learning Objective 4: You will be able to determine ways to incorporate the design principles as presented into different building types and applications.