Architecture, Design and Building Science

This program's collection of continuing education courses provides the architect/student with a catalog of courses on every construction division. Courses include products and their application, safety, the environmental impact of products, and application case studies. Users can search the catalog using CSI division numbers, keywords, manufacturer names, or product descriptions.

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Innovative Solutions for Architectural Challenges

Operable glass walls can provide for flexible interior spaces, safer interior environments, rapid and highly accessible connections to exterior spaces and all the benefits that ensue, such as fresh air, light, unobstructed views and rapid egress in the event of emergency. This course examines how operable glass walls meet those challenges and then shows the application of those principals in several case studies.

Insulated Metal Panels

This course will cover the role of IMPs as an effective building envelope in terms of air and water infiltration and a thermal barrier. Additionally, the course will review how proper insulation is critical to performance, as well the many other attributes provided by IMPs whether employed as new construction or retrofits.

HSW Justification:
This is a re-registration of course number K2009N to run on our platform

Learning Objective 1:
Identify the role of prefabricated insulated metal panels (IMPs) as an all-in-one water and air barrier enclosure with continuous insulation.

Learning Objective 2:
Compare the construction benefits that IMPs deliver via a more simplified, cost-effective, and time-efficient erection process in addition to enhanced safety and less required manpower in the field.

Learning Objective 3:
Describe the key full building enclosure, structural, and fire-performance attributes of IMPs.

Learning Objective 4:
Explore the versatility and performance attributes of IMPs for retrofits and recladding.

NOTE:

A supplemental piece of reading material has been included with this course in order to fulfill the NCARB requirement for course content and duration. You will find some answers to quiz questions in both the video and print portion of the course content.

To begin the course, scroll down and download the red highlighted PDF file.

Meet the Experts

Neuroarchitecture 101

Neuroarchitecture is a design discipline that seeks to incorporate neuroscience into design to augment the built environment’s positive influence on the emotional and physical health of people.

Pattern Mapping for Lasting Design

A 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 pattern 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:
Pattern improves the physical emotional and social well-being of those who experience the space. It protects those who occupy the space, and pattern enables equitable access, elevates human experience, encourages social interaction and benefits the built environment.

Learning Objective 1:
Students will learn to compare patterns on a patten map

Learning Objective 2:
Students will learn to explain how different characteristics of a pattern functionally and aesthetically impact the visual space.

Learning Objective 3:
Students will learn how to select the openness factor and base material that will help meet project objectives.

Learning Objective 4:
Students will learn how to apply HSW Best Practices to provide privacy, facades, camouflage, shade, or railings with architectural panels with patterned openings.

See more videos from Parasoleil here

Meet the Expert

Pushing the Boundaries of Form and Function

As architects and clients alike demand the creation of what’s next, design teams rely on new product systems and solutions to help them push the boundaries of form and function. This article profiles a few solutions that enable architects to create distinct building envelopes that don’t sacrifice on the efficient performance or sustainable design considerations that also occupy prominent spots on almost every client’s wish list.

HSW Justification:
This article explores solutions that enable architects to deliver a desired aesthetic that also performs efficiently and offers sustainable design benefits. For example, thermal barriers in the aluminum framing that hold the glazing in place allows architects to complete historic renovation projects that exceed thermal performance targets, without compromising the integrity of the historical aesthetic. Composite metal panel systems that support very unique applications and creative demands from design teams can also offer top-tier performance in terms of fire-, water-, and impact-resistance. Extruded aluminum trim beautifully meshes different types of exterior cladding, while helping the envelope to better manage moisture.

Learning Objective 1:
Explain how incorporating thermal barriers into the aluminum framing in the fenestration of the Crosstown Concourse helped the project become the world’s largest LEED Platinum historic rehabilitation project, while maintaining the integrity of its historic aesthetic.

Learning Objective 2:
Specify a composite metal panel system that offers the resistance to fire, water, and impact best-suited to the needs of a particular project.

Learning Objective 3:
List the aesthetic and sustainability-related benefits of specifying extruded aluminum trim on an exterior cladding.

Learning Objective 4:
Describe how the different finishes of precast concrete used in the façade of the Ale Asylum were reverse engineered to perfectly match the concept originally pitched and accepted by the city.

Reducing Fire Risk at the Perimeter of High Rise Structures

High rise fires are not new to us. In fact, we have seen an increase in fire incidents in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East in the last 5-10 years that have amplified awareness on fire safety performance of taller structures. High rise buildings present a greater risk with an increased number of occupants that have a limited means of escape in the event of a fire. That is why the time element for containing a fire is so critical. Also, as we have seen in actual fires, vertical fire spread at the exterior façade can rapidly overwhelm fire fighters means of interceding the fire from ground level. As the fire accelerates and upward spread progresses, it often reaches a height beyond the reach of fire services water streams. That is why containing a fire and preventing it from spreading vertically is so critical for both occupant and first responder safety.

Meet the Expert

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