Course Descriptions

AIA Course Number: Dekko012326S
The Past, Present, and Future of Architectural Concrete Cladding - Balancing Minimalist Aesthetics, Performance, and Sustainability
(1) LU/HSW Credit | Available as Webinar | Approx. (50) Minutes

This course provides an in-depth exploration of contemporary concrete facade, concrete cladding systems, and their critical roles in creating safe, durable, and high-performance building envelopes. Participants will examine materials from traditional site cast and factory precast concrete to glass fiber reinforced cladding (GFRC) and true lightweight concrete cladding solutions to gain an understanding of how each system supports essential health, safety, and welfare outcomes in modern design and construction. Through a combination of material comparisons, performance-based analysis, and real-world case studies, the course highlights how proper system selection, detailing, and installation influence resistance, moisture control, structural reliability, and indoor environmental quality. Attendees will also learn best practices for integrating lightweight concrete cladding into both interior and exterior applications, with emphasis on enhancing building resiliance, supporting occupant wellbeing, and meeting the demands of contemporary architectural expression. This program equips design professionals with the knowledge needed to confidently specify and apply concrete cladding systems that align with HSW related sustainability goals and long-term building performance standards.

AIA Course Number: Dekko042726S
Architectural Cladding Solutions - The Role of True Lightweight Concrete Cladding Compared to Alternatives
(1) LU/HSW Credit | Available as Webinar | Approx. (80) Minutes

This course provides architects and design professionals with a comprehensive overview of architectural cladding systems, focusing on true lightweight concrete cladding and its implications for building health, safety, and welfare (HSW). Participants will examine the functional role of cladding within the building envelope, including protection from environmental exposure, fire resistance, moisture management, structural load reduction, and long-term durability. The program compares common cladding materials such as metal, stone, brick, wood, vinyl, glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), and true lightweight concrete through the lens of performance characteristics, life cycle costs, installation practices, and code-related considerations. Emphasis is placed on how material selection and detailing decisions impact occupant safety, building resilience, energy efficiency, and maintenance requirements over the lifespan of a structure. Attendees will also explore manufacturing and installation methods, including ventilated rainscreen assemblies, moisture control strategies, fire resistance construction, and best practices that reduce installation risk and prevent common envelope failures. Real world case studies illustrate how thoughtful cladding selection contributes to safe, durable, and healthy built environments in residential, commercial, and exterior applications. This course qualifies for HSW credit as it directly addresses issues relateed to fire safety, moisture mitigation, thermal and acoustic performance, material durability, sustainability, and the protection of occupants and the public through informed decision making.