AIA/CES Seminars

This course examines the process of selecting energy efficient aluminum framing systems including storefronts, curtain walls and entrance doors for the commercial construction industry. The program defines energy codes, design criteria and definitions enabling the design professional to select the appropriate product for their next project. Recommendations for specifications are provided, along with an in-depth look at industry standards and test methods in accordance with the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

This course includes a basic review of storefront and curtain wall glazing systems. The program will examine industry standards and performance attributes for commercial glazing systems, enabling the design professional to select the appropriate product for their next project. Course participants will have a basic understanding of storefront and curtain wall, seeing through the difference and determining the proper product application based on system performance attributes and installation in terms of environmental quality, human health and safety.

This course will help educate the architect about alternative fire-rated window, door, and vision or glass wall materials currently available in commercial construction. The course will illustrate how a group of specialty glazing systems is gaining increasing popularity by answering two important architectural design needs: the requirement to establish code mandated life safety in a building versus the need to provide transparency, daylighting, aesthetics, and overall value for occupants and building owners. At the convergence of these opposing building design requirements are fire-rated aluminum glazing systems – a technology that has evolved from 100 years of experience with glass products for fire protection use. The learning unit will summarize the history of this evolution and compare some of the different designs that are available to the architect today. It will also explore examples of how fire-rated aluminum glazing systems can be incorporated while addressing some of the common code considerations.

Operable wall systems integrate the indoors and outdoors and define interior spaces, providing flexibility and additional usable area without increasing a building’s footprint. Occupants benefit from expansive daylighting and views as well as quick access to fresh air. This course describes the types of operable wall systems, how they contribute to sustainable design, and the various options and considerations for selecting the correct system.