Design for Discovery
Every design project presents a unique opportunity to apply lessons learned from previous projects and discover new information to refine the design and construction process.
Learn more about the AIA Framework for Design Excellence.
Reproduced with permission of The American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Avenue, N.W.; Washington, D.C. 20006
Design for Discovery
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Mind the Gaps: Making Existing Buildings More Airtight
Feature Article
Leaky building enclosures create health hazards, comfort problems, and high energy bills. Fixing them isn’t rocket science; but you’d better know your building science.
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Existing Buildings Are Architecture’s Future
Feature Article
Take a plain old building and turn it into something remarkable, and you’ll also help save the planet.
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The Missing Embodied Carbon Link: Construction
Feature Article
Some researchers say construction emissions could account for as much as 30% of a project’s embodied carbon. What can be done about it?
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Energy Performance: Learn the Lingo
Explainer
The AIA 2030 Commitment and many other programs require project teams to predict and report on energy use. Here are the key terms you’ll need to get the job done.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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An Affordable Heat-Pump Water-Heater Retrofit
Product Review
AirTap is an affordable heat-pump module that can be retrofit onto a conventional electric or gas water heater. The unit has a first-hour rating of 42.5 gallons, an efficiency of 240%, and a GAMA-tested energy factor of 2.11.
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An Award-Winning Energy Management Outlet
Product Review
RAB’s Lightcloud Outlet enables wireless monitoring and control of plug loads while allowing for demand response and other energy-saving scheduling.
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BuildingGreen Announces Top 10 Products for 2022
Product Review
Innovative products include heat pumps that use low-GWP refrigerants, energy-saving window inserts, water-saving infrastructure, induction ranges, and more.
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BuildingGreen Announces Top 10 Products for 2023
Product Review
BuildingGreen’s Top 10 industry-transforming products this year include heat pumps that use low-GWP refrigerants, products that encourage recycling and re-use, wood insulation, and more.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Another Corona Side Effect: Reduced Peak Electricity Demand
News Analysis
Flattening the COVID curve is also flattening electricity load curves, which may be a lesson for the building industry.
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Biophilia a Hallmark of COTE Top Ten for 2020
News Analysis
2020 AIA COTE Top Ten winners feature daylight, indoor/outdoor spaces, extensive plantings, and exposed wood.
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A Review of the Current Net-Zero Energy and Net-Zero Carbon Certification Programs
News Analysis
Until recently, there was only one game in town when it came to net-zero energy and carbon. Now there are several certifications.
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AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence: A Hook for Firm-wide Change
News Analysis
With design awards on the line, architecture firms are starting to require sustainability tracking across all projects.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Building Re-Entry with Arc
Webcast
Arc Skoru’s Chris Pyke explains Arc Re-entry and how it integrates with CDC and WHO recommendations, LEED pilot credits, the WELL Building Standard, and other frameworks.
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The Contractor’s Commitment: Lessons from the First Year
Webcast
The new “Contractor’s Commitment to Sustainable Building Practices" calls on firms to practice green building on the jobsite and beyond.
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Integrative Process: Pathways to Performance and Regeneration
Spotlight Report
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The Missing Embodied Carbon Link: Construction
Spotlight Report
