Wisconsin architects must renew their licenses every even-numbered year by July 31st. The deadline is fast approaching, and we have put together some answers to frequently asked questions about architect license renewal in Wisconsin.
Read MoreIowa Architect License Renewal Changes for 2020 COVID-19 Response
While Iowa Architects must typically renew their license by June 30th, architects whose license expires in 2020 have received an extension to their renewal window in order to accommodate for COVID-19.
Read MoreExperimenting with Space Architecture on Earth
Interstellar Lab, a Parisian research group, is looking to simulate building and living conditions on Mars in the Mojave Desert. The group’s founder and CEO, Barbara Belvisi, believes that the extreme sustainability issues astronauts will face on Mars are like those that many scientists believe are required to help solve sustainability issues we face here on Earth. Belvisi states that “what we need to bring on Mars for life is what we need to protect Earth right now.”
Read MoreNew Trend in Roofing: Green Roofs
Compared to traditional roofs, green roofs have many benefits that increase the efficacy of the under-utilized space with few drawbacks. “Green roofs last longer than conventional roofs, reduce energy costs with natural insulation, create peaceful retreats for people and animals, and absorb storm water, potentially lessening the need for complex and expensive drainage systems. On a wider scale, green roofs improve air quality and help reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect, a condition in which city and suburban developments absorb and trap heat. Anyone who has walked across a scalding parking lot on a hot, summer day has felt one effect of an Urban Heat Island” (howstuffworks.com).
Read MoreCourse Snippet: Drier by Design-Designing to Keep Water Out
“Construction Methods Used to Exclude Moisture
There are three primary components to keeping water out of our built environments. One is good maintenance and one is good construction. This portion focuses on good design, which involves precautions that can be implemented on the drawing board to prevent infiltration.
Read MoreNew Course Snippet: Aging in Place-Eliminating Pitfalls
We have a long history of aging, pretty much since the beginning of time. It is no longer difficult to predict what will happen in our lives and bodies as we add to our years.
Balance will become a significant issue. This problem can arise from a loss of physical strength, effects of different medications, cognitive and visual impairments. Without thinking through a strategy to prevent or at least minimize falls, an issue with balance can become a significant health hazard. It’s a really good idea to periodically determine if loved ones (or you) can safely do these:
Building Elements React To Moisture As Artful Inspiration
Chen attempted to replicate this action by creating a tile where the outer layer curves the material away when wet. This reactive material could offer a way for architects and engineers to incorporate a customizable construction that alters the way people interact with their built environment.
Read MoreThermal and Moisture: Keeping the Weather Out
This course is based on the 2017 Florida Building codes but is approved by the AIA for 1 hour credit. This course will focus on the “best practice” procedures to careful plan and install thermal and weather resistant components.
Read MoreNew Course: Danger in the Damp–Dealing with Mold
Architects Training Institute’s new course is called Danger in the Damp—Dealing with Mold. It will examine design and construction methods of systems designed to withstand water penetration. It will start with understanding of these systems and finding the source of intrusion then repairing and prevention.
Read MoreNew Course: Drier By Design – Designing to Keep Water Out
Architects Training Institute new course called “Drier By Design-Designing to Keep Water Out.” The course focuses on moisture resistance principles and methods in a systematic fashion.
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills: A basic understanding of how water moves, migrates, and behaves;
typical sources of excess moisture in our build environments; proactive prevention of unwanted moisture through planning and design;
methods used during construction to prevent the intrusion of water; post-construction prevention of leakage by building envelope inspection;
common points of failure through which water can gain entrance; and prevention of water intrusion through control of condensation.