Appliance technologies and the kitchen's place in the home have changed drastically over the past twenty years. Modern kitchens have grown in size and are now the heart of the home for entertaining, dining and working. Many times there are several people cooking at the same time. Given these scenarios, it is important to consider the entire range of users, from young children to the elderly. In this course we will discuss how kitchen planning can serve the needs of three generations, from Generation Y (aka Millennials) to the Baby Boomers. We will focus on how these groups differ in their vision of how a kitchen should function, style preferences, appliance requests, acceptance or integration of technology into the space, and universal design.

Continuous air barriers are essential for a building’s energy efficiency, durability and indoor air quality - and are currently required by energy codes. There are several types of air barriers commonly used in the industry, including building wraps, self-adhered, and fluid applied membranes. This course focuses on fluid applied air barriers which have continued to increase in popularity in recent years. The main properties of fluid applied air barrier systems which include wet and cured thickness, vapor permeability, water sensitivity, elongation & recovery, and UV resistance vary over a very broad range and are largely determined by their chemistries and formulations. This presentation will highlight the key differences and performance advantages of new high performance fluid applied air barriers based on their chemistries.

(Please note: The Study Guide is a comprehensive report on washroom design for ADA compliance and is intended to be part of this course. Please download it upon enrolling.) Multigenerational design, also known as transgenerational design, is an increasingly important aspect of universal design and a major contemporary trend mirroring the dramatic societal and economic changes of the last decades. In particular, public restrooms illustrate these multigenerational trends because they serve such diverse populations. Designing them successfully is a growing challenge for architects and facility owners.

(Please note: The Study Guide consists of ADA Standards as published by the Department of Justice and includes dimensional and installation washroom elements that may not be included in the video. It is intended to be a part of the course. Please download upon enrolling.)

"Accessibility Disconnects in Washroom Design presented by ASI Group in HD video explores various compliance requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act related to commercial restroom design and provides examples of correct and incorrect usage and placement of various restroom fixtures and accessories. Upon viewing this course a student will have a much clearer understanding of ADA requirements for commercial restrooms and how these requirements help to improve the quality of life for the elderly and disabled."

HUFCOR provides architects an interesting guided tour of "Flex Space City" to show how different types of moveable partition systems are being used by different building applications to maximize the usability and productivity of space. Every type of movable partition system available today is explored - from traditional accordion systems, to innovative new vertical stacking partitions, interior and exterior bifold doors and moveable glass partitions. Additional topics include aesthetics, materials and performance capabilities, including acoustics and daylighting.

This course explores the features and numerous sustainable benefits of using high velocity/low speed fans for air destratification, supplemental cooling, improved indoor air quality, and human productivity. Topics covered include ideal applications, fan selection and planning, and code requirements for HVLS fans.

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.)