EDUCATION PROVIDER PROGRAM (EPP)

Due to advancements in architectural decorative glass technology, the number of design options available to help designers and architects achieve specific aesthetic, safety and sustainability requirements, has dramatically increased. This course provides a review of architectural decorative glass including product options, applications, features, and specification considerations. Also discussed is how decorative glass can contribute to LEED® v4 and WELL® initiatives. 

With faster build speeds, superior environmental control performance, and exceptional design flexibility, insulated metal panels (IMPs) offer many advantages over other conventional building envelope systems. This course details these and other aspects of IMPs and why they can be considered the key component of “the perfect wall.”

ONGOING - FREE - 1 HOUR

Insulated metal wall panels (IMPs) offer a sleek, modern, and light-weight envelope system that is highly customizable. This course explores the characteristics of IMPs, including how they can offer a five-in-one design solution that provides the exterior finish, as well as the air, vapor, water, and thermal control layers. Discussions will also include design options, installation processes, code compliance, sustainability, and available warranties.

Over time, different types of concrete have been developed for a variety of architectural applications, including cast stone, precast panels and shapes, glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). These concrete forms differ in physical properties, applications, and cost. This course reviews the four essential types of architectural precast including their composition, functions, advantages, and specifications to facilitate the proper selection based on project requirements. 

The green building movement has been fueled by a variety of factors, including effects on the environment and human health. This course looks closely at high-pressure laminate (HPL), which covers horizontal and vertical surfaces in many different types of commercial, institutional, and residential buildings. As part of a variety of other products, such as cabinetry, countertops, wall coverings, and furnishings, it can contribute directly to sustainable building design solutions. HPL products can be specified that meet accepted standards for minimizing or reducing environmental and health impacts. All these can be documented to assist in green building certification programs such as LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, the WELL Building Standard™ version 2 (WELL v2™), and others.

 Ultrapremium appliances provide the opportunity to cook at home using the same level of equipment as professional chefs. This course explores the concept of the “prosumer” kitchen, the consumer values of the ultrapremium appliance market, and the styles, functions, and design considerations related to ultrapremium kitchen appliances.

Without a doubt, the human-to-nature connection contributes to well-being and improves our mood. Water features are one way to extend this connection to the indoors. This course reviews the components of indoor water features, design options, and considerations and looks at a few case studies.

ONGOING - FREE - 1.25 HOURS

Building owners have come to rely on weatherable coatings to provide long-term protection to their buildings. With an increased focus on sustainability, performance, and durability, PVDF resin-based coatings can help architects and painting contractors exceed their clients’ design goals. This course covers the key components and functions of high-performance weatherable coatings and looks at how these coatings contribute to sustainable design.

ONGOING - FREE - 1 HOUR

Changing climate and land use patterns have necessitated a greater focus on stormwater management. The trench drain industry has developed in a rather fragmented way over the decades, with each manufacturer using their own unique reference points for dimension, load rating, and other criteria. The purpose of this course is to clear up the resulting confusion and provide best practices and a real-world understanding of the multiple variables at play on the project level.

While architects and designers have many choices for specifying dynamic architectural surfaces in their projects, the result of using photography in such applications has historically presented challenges. This course explores typical digital images used in glass installations, gigapixel photography, guidelines for glass transparency, and the impacts of luminosity and reflectivity. Finally, it looks at potential applications for gigapixel images in large- or small-scale architectural surfaces.

ONGOING

Highly customizable electric heating solutions can provide either the main or supplemental heat for most indoor and outdoor spaces. Such solutions can harmonize beautifully with every architectural context and building configuration while addressing the full range of health, safety, comfort, and energy efficiency issues facing contemporary designers. This course examines the many supplemental electric heating solutions and devices available, their capabilities and configuration options, and how they can be customized to suit every unique architectural and engineering demand. It concludes with several illustrated cases.

Good acoustic and aesthetic environments are important to the health, safety, comfort, satisfaction, productivity, and general well-being of all building users. This course outlines the benefits of and methodologies for simultaneously creating both with wall and ceiling acoustic treatments. The highly illustrated course includes detailed descriptions of the many acoustic wall and ceiling treatment options available, as well as sample installations.

ONGOING - 1 HOUR - FREE

Building science experts acknowledge the need for drainage in both vertical and horizontal applications in order to eliminate moisture issues and extend the life of the building. This course examines foundation wall, green roof, and plaza deck applications and discusses the factors that impact drainage, including soil permeability, saturation, land cover, and loading. Flow rate standards are discussed, and drainage composite mat installation is explained.

Doors installed in high-traffic conditions require special considerations and construction. This course explores the key concepts, best practices, and industry standards for selecting, specifying, installing, and maintaining durable and reliable heavy-usage doors. It details their material and hardware options, construction techniques, maintenance strategies, safety considerations, and required testing protocols. The course concludes with a sample installation.

ONGOING - FREE

Today’s architects are faced with a difficult task: how best to design buildings that meet up-to-date energy codes while keeping costs down and clients happy. Developments in filtration technology make it possible to conserve energy, improve indoor air quality (IAQ), and dramatically reduce ongoing utility and operating costs. This course reviews advanced engineered solutions for energy savings and air quality for commercial, institutional, medical, pharmaceutical, and other critical applications.