BSC Seminars

The evolution of building systems, enclosures, assemblies and materials
The role of disaster and failure in the evolution of building design
Why codes and regulations are reactive, not proactive

The purpose and historic basis of environmental separation
Appreciate the effect of climate on environmental loadings on building enclosures
Enclosure design principles of energy efficient buildings

Understanding rain as a design load
Rain control strategies
The consequences of failure ? control problems with brick, stucco, EIFS, manufactured stone veneer and curtain walls
 

Airflow control in terms of smoke, energy, durability, heath, and comfort
Buildings as 3-D airflow networks
Controlling pathways and pressures

Air quality problems in terms of people, pollutants, paths and pressure
Pollutant sources due to material breakdown caused by heat, moisture, and UV light
Diagnostic procedures for IAQ problems

Mechanisms of heat, air, and moisture movement
The role of heat, air and moisture in building failure
Integrated design for the control of heat, air and moisture

Selecting appropriate enclosure wall systems for different climates and occupancies
Identifying critical elements
Avoiding stupid mistakes

Using the thermal index for wall assemblies
The temperature (not the heat loss) is key
Interior and exterior insulating sheathings

At the end of an intense first day, enjoy an informal discussion over beer and pizza with Drs. Straube and Lstiburek. Bring drawings, specifications, and photos and ask questions about your most outlandish cases and projects... or just enjoy the pizza and beer.

How to select appropriate roof systems for different climates and occupancies
How to identify critical elements
Learning from past successes and failures

Understanding how to keep ground water and soil gas out of building foundations
Environmental control for building assemblies
The conflict between structural engineering approaches and environmental control approaches

Understanding the primary function of HVAC
The effect of climate on HVAC design and operation
Understanding and managing the conflict between green architecture, IAQ and energy efficiency

Vinyl composition flooring
Wood and tile systems
Negative side waterproofing

Temperature index for windows
Selecting windows and curtainwalls
Glazing versus frames

Insulating mass buildings and freeze-thaw damage
Foundation retrofits
Interior and exterior enclosure repair approaches

Understanding the green architect as master builder
What green typically means and what green should mean
How green building and sustainability can either destroy or save architects