This article explores some of the latest products and solutions improving the air quality, thermal comfort, electric light, and daylight control that can be incorporated into a project. Each improves the wellness of the people in the built environment.

HSW Justification:
“Increased evidence shows that indoor environmental conditions substantially influence health and productivity. Building services engineers are interested in improving indoor environments and quantifying the effects. Potential health and productivity benefits are not yet generally considered in conventional economic calculations pertaining to building design and operation. Only initial costs plus energy and maintenance costs are typically considered. A few sample calculations have also shown that many measures to improve indoor air environment are cost-effective when the health and productivity benefits resulting from an improved indoor climate are included in the calculations (Djukanovic et al. 2002, Fisk 2000, Fisk et al. 2003, Hansen 1997, van Kempski 2003, Seppanen and Vuolle 2000, Wargocki, 2003.) This article explores some of the latest products and solutions improving the air quality, thermal comfort, electric light, and daylight control that can be incorporated into a project. Each improves the wellness of the built environment.

Learning Objective 1:
Explain how air circulation improves thermal comfort and alertness.

Learning Objective 2:
Describe the ways that increasing the presence of plants and greenery on a project have been shown to clean the air, reduce urban heat island effect, and positively affect the health and wellbeing of people in the built environment.

Learning Objective 3:
Summarize how circadian LED lighting technology delivers health benefits—improving overall sleep quality, daytime productivity, and feelings of wellbeing—that modern architectural lighting lacks.

Learning Objective 4:
Discuss how using an underfloor air distribution system (UFAD) improves indoor air quality.

Learning Objective 5:
Identify the latest advancements in smart window technology that allows these solutions to control glare and solar heat gains, while maintaining views to the outdoors.

This course is designed to introduce the architect to egress marking systems that are used for ordinary way finding and building evacuation in emergency situations. These signage systems are meant to be selected and installed according to specific standards established by building codes. Additionally, once installed, these systems must be tested to assure their efficacy in case of an emergency. How to select and specify the appropriate markers and the technological solutions available, as well as testing methods, will all be covered in this course.

HSW Justification:
Building exit markings are critical to the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants during emergency situations.

Learning Objective 1:
When this course is complete the student will will understand egress signage obligations as imposed through building codes and standards.

Learning Objective 2:
The student will further understand the various technologies available to address those signage codes and standards.

Learning Objective 3:
And, the student will learn what the requirements are to conduct on-going testing of egress systems after installation.

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.

This course provides an overview of the important factors - such as building codes, safety of use and fall protection, material selection, secure installation methods, and design - that must be considered when selecting or specifying a railing system for a commercial or residential project.

Learning Objective 1:
The student will learn to recognize the unique benefits of different railing materials with respect to durability and sustainability.

Learning Objective 2:
The student will learn to understand relevant building codes and standards related to the structural integrity and safety of a railing project.

Learning Objective 3:
The student will learn to identify common railing materials and finishes, and compare their performance in order to choose materials that best suit the structural requirements, style, and environment of the project.

Learning Objective 4:
The student will learn to distinguish between a variety of railing fabrication, assembly, and installation methods to ensure a safe and attractive railing design.

Program: The Art and Technology of Lighting

This course will review the components and uses of connected luminaires, their specification and the standards and protocols involved in current lighting controls application. Further, this course will review the emergence of the Internet of things, and how it will impact future lighting controls application.Understand the definition, components and function of a connected luminaire.

Learning Objective 1:
Understand the definition, components and function of a connected luminaire.

Learning Objective 2:
Understand how connected lighting systems interact with the Internet of Things (IoT).

Learning Objective 3:
Understand the basic components of a lighting control system and uses with LED technology.

Learning Objective 4:
Understand the specification of connected luminaire systems.

AIA Course Number FP2018-D

This course will explore the cutting-edge union of design and technology by delving into parametric design and its symbiosis with digital fabrication, and how the vision is best achieved via vertically-integrated, technology-forward product manufacturers. We will also discuss strategies for effective collaboration with these manufacturers throughout the architectural design process.

Learning Objective 1:
Students will learn about the use of parametric design in architecture, including its definition, history and current state.

Learning Objective 2:
Students will learn about the marriage between parametric design and digital fabrication.

Learning Objective 3:
Students will understand why vertical integration is an important operating model for product manufacturers looking to leverage parametric design.

Learning Objective 4:
Students will understand how to partner with vertical manufacturers throughout the architectural design process and learn the advantages of this digital collaborative approach.

This course aims to help educate the designer about what performance fabrics are, the content of various fabrics, how they work, and the benefits to a sustainable design in meeting and maximizing your goals of occupant health, safety, well-being, and sustainability. Windows, views, and openings in buildings present the classic battle between form and function. The designer naturally wants the building’s occupants to enjoy views and light, but the solar heat gain from these openings can wreak havoc on sustainable goals. Sophisticated and high-performing solar control fabrics can help reconcile the form and function of light, views, and sustainability.

HSW Justification:
Substantially all of this course is dedicated to a discussion of the health, safety and welfare aspects of performance fabrics through their appropriate specification, their fabrics' chemical composition, their proper use, their ability to meet safety and performance standards, and their aesthetic contribution.

Learning Objective 1:
The student will learn how to analyze shading fabrics for solar light management including energy reduction, glare and outward visibility, using published shading coefficient data.

Learning Objective 2:
The student will be able to list certification requirements for indoor air quality, anti-bacterial protection, flame retardancy, and environmental regulations.

Learning Objective 3:
The student will be able to identify fabric composition options with an emphasis on sustainable design.

Learning Objective 4:
The student will be able to apply their knowledge of performance fabric features to unique, real-world applications in healthcare, hospitality, government, business, and residential projects.

This course will describe the benefits of moveable glass walls in education environments from K-12 through higher education. It includes a comprehensive look at design options, framing and installation options, interior and exterior connecting applications, acoustical attenuation, daylighting, and 21st Century Educational design.

HSW Justification:
Privacy, daylighting, on-demand teaching flexibility, improved teaching outcomes and student and teacher health benefits are the primary focus of this course.

Learning Objective 1:
Identify and recognize the significance of flexible space in school design to safely accommodate variable educational needs

Learning Objective 2:
Assess the health and welfare aspects of glass wall systems in terms of providing daylight and views to students, teachers and staff.

Learning Objective 3:
Explain the importance of acoustics and the impact on student performance, and creating a better indoor environment.

Learning Objective 4:
Determine ways to incorporate the design principles presented into building project documentation as shown in project examples.

Solar shading devices, while available in numerous weaves, textures, and colors, go beyond contributing to the aesthetics of a space. Specified correctly, solar shading devices can maximize daylighting benefits and contribute to occupant well-being, productivity, and engagement, while mitigating the detrimental effects of UV rays and glare.

Learning Objective 1:
Students will understand the benefits daylighting, including the psychological and physiological well-being of occupants, as well as its drawbacks, such as glare and solar heat gain

Learning Objective 2:
Students will become familiar with the types of solar shading fabrics available for use in commercial settings and their components, including operating systems, weave, color, and openness factor, and the ways in which these contribute to the control of daylighting.

Learning Objective 3:
Students will explore the benefits of solar shading devices that extend beyond light management, such as sound mitigation, sustainability, and antimicrobial properties.

Learning Objective 4:
Students will determine how to select the right fabric for an application, taking into account aesthetics and room conditions

Permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP) have the ability to create solid, strong surfaces for pedestrians and a range of vehicular uses, and can help maintain a site’s existing natural hydrologic function. This course discusses the goals of a PICP system and the materials used. It compares PICP with other stormwater management systems and describes the proper installation of a permeable paver system.

HSW Justification:
Permeable paver systems help prevent flooding that can contribute to injury, accidents, and property damage. Additionally, permeable paver systems properly installed help maintain more purified groundwater by providing a filter medium and detention reservoirs, reducing turbidity and pollution from runoff.

Learning Objective 1:
Students will be able to identify benefits and opportunities for using permeable pavers.

Learning Objective 2:
Students will be able to analyze the goals and criteria for using a permeable paver system.

Learning Objective 3:
Students will be able to list permeable paver materials and understand how to design different solutions

Learning Objective 4:
Students will be able to evaluate and compare permeable pavers to other traditional stormwater solutions.

Learning Objective 5:
Students will understand different installation procedures for permeable pavers.