Program: Architecture, Design and Building Science

This course will review the science behind stratified air, components and uses of destratification fans, their specification, and the standards and protocols involved in air movement applications.

(Please note: The Case Study is a technical paper intended to be a part of the course. Please download upon enrolling.)

Program: Architecture, Design and Building Science

This course introduces the role of a thermal barrier in improving the thermal performance of windows, doors, storefront and curtain wall applications. Advancements in material science and the aluminum profile of the fenestration are enabling window assemblies to achieve lower U-values than previously possible, allowing designers to deliver building envelopes that provide access to daylight and views, without compromising the thermal efficiency of the project. 

Learn the fundamentals of art lighting techniques, which can be applied to a variety of other installations.

This course illustrates and explains art lighting tools, techniques, and trends implemnted by museums and galleries. The course reviews elementary lighting tools, layering techniques, architectural applications, and more subtle stategies for illumination. These practices and trends are illustrated with photographs of museum and gallery installations.

Pressure! When it comes to water, too much pressure in a building's plumbing system can be detrimental – to pipes, fixtures, and appliances, as well as to efforts to minimize water consumption. Water Pressure Regulation in Building Design covers code requirements for water pressure, and the plumbing components used to reduce and regulate water pressure before entering a building's plumbing system. (Course includes a downloadable PDF study guide.)

Program: Architecture, Design and Building Science

This course reviews the components and uses of connected luminaires, their specification, and the standards and protocols involved in current lighting control applications. Further, this course reviews the emergence of the Internet of Things, and how it will impact future lighting control applications.  

AIA Course Number FP2018-D

See more videos from Focal Point here

Program: The Business of Architecture

Tracing the history of cast-iron as a building material, this CEU also showcases the rich history of CornellCookson as an American family business that played a significant role in developing the early New York skyline.

This course is a recording of a presentation from GreenBuild 2018. Students will learn what resilient design is and how it produces buildings that are better prepared for climate change and the disruptions it brings.

Program: Architecture, Design and Building Science

Green Chemistry founders and visionaries Paul Anastas and John Warner mark the 20th anniversary of the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry. Paul, as Yale professor and former EPA ORD administrator and White House OSTP Director, and John, as Green Chemistry entrepreneur, Perkin Medal laureate, former UMass professor and inventor with over 100 patents, will help us understand what Green Chemistry is and what it is not. They will explore how the practice of Green Chemistry has become a powerful driver for product innovation today, and how its adoption is essential for a sustainable tomorrow. Their discussion will illustrate how chemists are collaborating to unleash the power of Green Chemistry for greener building materials. This session is facilitated by Shawn Hunter, Sustainability Leader for DuPont Safety and Construction.

Program: Architecture, Design and Building Science

The health, safety and performance of athletes is greatly affected by the playing surface. Standards for the dynamic relationship between a sports floor and athletes demonstrate that sustainable maple hardwood flooring offers exceptional accommodation of forces while enhancing play. This course also discusses key selection considerations used for material specification of a natural wood or synthetic sports and activity floor, and describes a variety of basic subfloor and surface configurations for maple floors. The Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) - manufacturers, sport floor contractors, distributors and allied product manufacturers who subscribe to established quality guidelines - is the authoritative source of technical and general information about maple flooring and related maple and synthetic sports flooring systems.

Lighting design can be a daunting process because it requires balancing conflicting needs. The installation, maintenance, aesthetics, and budget must all be considered before selecting the most appropriate lighting fixture. This course offers a step-by-step process to identify and prioritize your needs, and achieve your desired design.