AIA NEI Programs and Webinars

A Range of Rainscreens 

Selecting the appropriate moisture management system for the building envelope can be a daunting task. Determining the appropriate rainscreen application can be based on several contributing factors – climate, building codes, cladding, and a variety others. This course will explore the importance of rainscreens as a moisture management solution, as well as the characteristics of the assortment of applications.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the performance characteristics of rainscreens in the building envelope.
2. Recognize the characteristics and differences of "open" and "closed" rainscreens.
3. Understand and identify the installation applications of "open" and "closed" rainscreens.
4. Recognize the pre-installation considerations when choosing the appropriate rainscreen applications.

CE: 1 LU | HSW

Considerations for Safe & Compliant Pipes in Plenum Space

Plenum spaces in buildings are often out of sight but shouldn't be out of mind. These areas house critical infrastructure like piping, wiring, and HVAC systems, systems that directly affect occupant health, fire safety, and long-term durability. This session explores the material selection challenges architects and engineers face when designing piping systems in plenums. Using case studies, code reviews, and technical insights, it uncovers health and safety risks, as well as legal liabilities, that piping can pose. It also provides recommendations to meet performance standards and sustainability goals.

1. Identify fire-safety risks associated with piping materials used in plenum spaces and explain how material combustibility influences code compliance and occupant protection.
2. Assess long-term risks to occupant health and building resilience based on the chemical, thermal and structural performance of piping systems.
3. Compare lifecycle sustainability impacts of pipe materials, with a focus on recyclability, embodied carbon and other sustainability requirements.
4. Understand the legal and insurance implications of material choices in plenums, including how failures can shift liability to design teams or contractors.

CE: 1 LU | HSW