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Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP
and
Catherine Murphy
This course is an examination of the role designers play in protecting health through specification of materials and choices made in the building design phase. You learn about strategies and principles employed in the execution of healthier design projects. Finally, you look at how the use of healthier materials can lead to a healthier world. Participants in the course should have leadership-level career experience in design, architecture, contracting, or a similar field.
Read more
This course is an examination of the role designers play in protecting health through specification of materials and choices made in the building design phase. You learn about strategies and principles employed in the execution of healthier design projects. Finally, you look at how the use of healthier materials can lead to a healthier world. Participants in the course should have leadership-level career experience in design, architecture, contracting, or a similar field.
Read more
This course is an examination of the role designers play in protecting health through specification of materials and choices made in the building design phase. You learn about strategies and principles employed in the execution of healthier design projects. Finally, you look at how the use of healthier materials can lead to a healthier world. Participants in the course should have leadership-level career experience in design, architecture, contracting, or a similar field.
This course will enable you to:
• Shift from traditional design to a healthier materials design approach
• Evaluate tools and resources for protecting human health
• Apply strategies for choosing healthier materials
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/u7rxa1/sustainable
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What's inside
Syllabus
The Path to Becoming a Material Influencer
Welcome to the Path to Becoming a Material Influencer. This week, we'll learn how to design with a healthier world in mind. We will explore strategies and principles of healthier material projects. By the end of this week, you will gain material health inspiration and understand that there's no one-stop-shop for material health. Let's get started!
Read more
Syllabus
The Path to Becoming a Material Influencer
Welcome to the Path to Becoming a Material Influencer. This week, we'll learn how to design with a healthier world in mind. We will explore strategies and principles of healthier material projects. By the end of this week, you will gain material health inspiration and understand that there's no one-stop-shop for material health. Let's get started!
Read more
Establishing the Material Evaluation Process
Welcome to Establishing the Material Evaluation Process. This week, we'll learn how to review disclosures and make healthier material decisions based on performance, quality, and affordability. We will think about where to start when compiling material options and how to reach out to manufacturers. By the end of this week, you will know how to utilize research and approaches for reviewing product health. Let's get started!
Beyond Design Aesthetics: Healthier Materials for a Healthier World
Welcome to Beyond Design Aesthetics: Healthier Materials for a Healthier World. This week, we'll learn how to compare options and make decisions for a healthier design approach. We will examine healthier alternatives that provide inspiration for the future. By the end of this week, you will know that no product is perfect but that progress comes as designers overcome obstacles and transform the marketplace. Let's get started!
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Explores ways in which designers can influence the use of healthier materials to create healthier buildings
Targeted towards professionals in the fields of design, architecture, contracting, or a similar field who have leadership-level career experience
Taught by Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP, and Catherine Murphy, both recognized experts in the field
Provides a framework for evaluating the healthfulness of materials and making healthier choices
Examines the impact of healthier materials on the health of occupants and the environment
Guides learners through the process of establishing a material evaluation process and making informed decisions based on research
Save this course
Save Sustainable Building: Design and Specification to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Sustainable Building: Design and Specification with these
activities:
Create a reference library of resources
Show steps
Establish a comprehensive collection of relevant materials to enhance learning accessibility and retention.
Show steps
-
Gather books, articles, websites, and other resources
-
Organize materials by topic or category
-
Create a system for easy access and retrieval
Seek guidance from industry experts
Show steps
Establish connections with professionals who can provide personalized advice, share insights, and support career growth.
Show steps
-
Identify potential mentors through networking events or online platforms
-
Reach out to individuals and schedule meetings
Review design basics
Show steps
Solidify foundational knowledge of design to improve understanding of advanced concepts presented in this course.
Browse courses on
Design Principles
Show steps
-
Review design books or online resources on design fundamentals
-
Complete practice exercises or quizzes to test understanding
-
Attend a workshop or seminar on design basics
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Attend industry conferences or workshops
Show steps
Connect with professionals in the field, learn about emerging trends, and expand knowledge through discussions and presentations.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Design
Show steps
-
Identify relevant conferences or workshops
-
Register and attend the events
-
Engage with speakers and attendees
Develop a proposal for healthier materials
Show steps
Apply course concepts to a real-world scenario, fostering critical thinking and persuasive communication skills.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific design project or client
-
Research healthier material options and their benefits
-
Develop a persuasive proposal outlining the advantages of using healthier materials
Design a healthier home or building
Show steps
Implement knowledge gained in the course to design a space that promotes well-being and environmental sustainability.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Building Design
Show steps
-
Develop a design brief outlining the health objectives
-
Research and select sustainable and healthier materials
-
Create design concepts and evaluate them based on health criteria
Create a reference library of resources
Show steps
Establish a comprehensive collection of relevant materials to enhance learning accessibility and retention.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather books, articles, websites, and other resources
- Organize materials by topic or category
- Create a system for easy access and retrieval
Seek guidance from industry experts
Show steps
Establish connections with professionals who can provide personalized advice, share insights, and support career growth.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify potential mentors through networking events or online platforms
- Reach out to individuals and schedule meetings
Review design basics
Show steps
Solidify foundational knowledge of design to improve understanding of advanced concepts presented in this course.
Browse courses on
Design Principles
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review design books or online resources on design fundamentals
- Complete practice exercises or quizzes to test understanding
- Attend a workshop or seminar on design basics
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Attend industry conferences or workshops
Show steps
Connect with professionals in the field, learn about emerging trends, and expand knowledge through discussions and presentations.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant conferences or workshops
- Register and attend the events
- Engage with speakers and attendees
Develop a proposal for healthier materials
Show steps
Apply course concepts to a real-world scenario, fostering critical thinking and persuasive communication skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific design project or client
- Research healthier material options and their benefits
- Develop a persuasive proposal outlining the advantages of using healthier materials
Design a healthier home or building
Show steps
Implement knowledge gained in the course to design a space that promotes well-being and environmental sustainability.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Building Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Develop a design brief outlining the health objectives
- Research and select sustainable and healthier materials
- Create design concepts and evaluate them based on health criteria
Career center
Learners who complete Sustainable Building: Design and Specification will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help organizations develop and implement sustainable practices in a variety of roles. These roles primarily involve assessing a client's current environmental impact and developing sustainable decision making and policy, aiding in developing more efficient and effective operating procedures, and creating documentation and reports on sustainability activities. There is an increasing need for professionals with expertise in sustainable practices, which could be obtained through knowledge and insights provided by this course.
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientists conduct research on environmental hazards, design programs to prevent disease by assessing environmental risk factors, and develop guidelines for safe levels of environmental contaminants. This course may be useful for Environmental Health Scientists who wish to understand the impact of building materials on human health, so they can provide more informed guidance on safe levels of environmental contaminants.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design, construct, and maintain systems to protect the environment and human health. This course may be useful for Environmental Engineers who wish to specialize in building design and construction to reduce environmental impact.
Environmental Architect
Environmental Architect
Environmental Architects design and construct buildings with a focus on environmental sustainability. Their work primarily involves planning, designing, and overseeing the construction and renovation of buildings that are both environmentally friendly and sustainable. This course may be useful for Environmental Architects, who can apply knowledge gained here to help determine which materials are most sustainable for building projects, and how to optimize building design for environmental impact.
Building Scientist
Building Scientist
Building Scientists conduct research to improve building performance, durability, and sustainability. Their work primarily involves understanding how buildings respond to different environmental conditions, developing new building technologies and materials, and advising architects and engineers on building design and construction. This course may be useful for Building Scientists who wish to gain a deeper understanding of how building materials impact human health and the environment.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists research, develop, and improve materials used in a variety of products. This course may be useful for Materials Scientists who wish to specialize in sustainable materials, and learn more about the impact of building materials on human health and the environment.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts research, develop, and evaluate policies related to health and healthcare. This course may be useful for Health Policy Analysts who wish to specialize in environmental health policy, and gain a better understanding of the impact of building materials on human health.
Public Health Engineer
Public Health Engineer
Public Health Engineers design and implement systems to protect public health, including water and wastewater treatment systems, air pollution control systems, and solid waste management systems. This course may be useful for Public Health Engineers who wish to gain a better understanding of the impact of building materials on human health and the environment.
Indoor Environmental Consultant
Indoor Environmental Consultant
Indoor Environmental Consultants help organizations improve the quality of their indoor environment. This course may be useful for Indoor Environmental Consultants who wish to learn more about the impact of building materials on indoor air quality and human health, and how to select materials that promote a healthy indoor environment.
Sustainable Design Specialist
Sustainable Design Specialist
Sustainable Design Specialists develop and implement sustainable design solutions for buildings and other structures. This course may be useful for Sustainable Design Specialists who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of building materials on human health and the environment.
Environmental Advocate
Environmental Advocate
Environmental Advocates work to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices. This course may be useful for Environmental Advocates who wish to gain a better understanding of the impact of building materials on human health and the environment, and how to advocate for policies that promote sustainable building practices.
Construction Manager
Construction Manager
Construction Managers oversee the planning, construction, and renovation of buildings and other structures. This course may be useful for Construction Managers who wish to learn more about sustainable building practices and how to select materials that promote a healthy indoor environment.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
Urban Planners develop plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. This course may be useful for Urban Planners who wish to gain a better understanding of sustainable building practices and how to incorporate them into urban planning.
Architect
Architect
Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings. This course may be useful for Architects who wish to learn more about sustainable building practices and how to incorporate them into their designs.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and construct infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and water treatment plants. This course may be useful for Civil Engineers who wish to specialize in sustainable infrastructure design and construction.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/u7rxa1/sustainable
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Sustainable Building: Design and Specification.
Save
This beautifully illustrated book explores the principles of biomimicry and how they can be applied to sustainable building design. It must-read for anyone interested in creating buildings that are in harmony with the natural world.
The WELL Building Standard rating system that assesses the health and well-being of buildings. It is based on scientific evidence and provides guidance on how to create buildings that promote occupant health and productivity.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable construction principles and practices. It is an excellent resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the environmental and social impacts of buildings.
This practical guide provides homeowners and builders with the information they need to build green homes. It covers a wide range of topics, including site selection, energy efficiency, and material selection.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental impacts of building materials. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the environmental implications of their building choices.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of green building. It is an excellent resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about sustainable building.
Explores the relationship between the built environment and public health. It provides evidence-based recommendations for creating healthier and more sustainable communities.
Save
Explores the economic benefits and challenges of sustainable building. It provides case studies and examples that demonstrate the financial viability of green building practices.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/u7rxa1/sustainable
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Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Parsons School of Design, The New School
Instructors
Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP
Catherine Murphy
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building. It's comprised of four courses:
- Sustainable Building: Design and Specification (viewing)
- Material Chemistry and Sustainable Building
- Sustainable Construction in a Circular Economy
- Building Materials and Human Health
Good to know
Explores ways in which designers can influence the use of healthier materials to create healthier buildings
Targeted towards professionals in the fields of design, architecture, contracting, or a similar field who have leadership-level career experience
Taught by Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP, and Catherine Murphy, both recognized experts in the field
Provides a framework for evaluating the healthfulness of materials and making healthier choices
Examines the impact of healthier materials on the health of occupants and the environment
Guides learners through the process of establishing a material evaluation process and making informed decisions based on research
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