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Sustainable Building: Design and Specification
  • Level Professional
  • Duration 25 hours
  • Course by Parsons School of Design, The New School
  • Offered by

About

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

Modules

Welcome

    • 2 Videos
    • 3 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
Show info about module content

1 Discussions

  • Introductions

2 Videos

  • Introduction to Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building
  • Introduction to Sustainable Building: Design and Specification

3 Readings

  • Welcome and Course Methods
  • Course Presenter Profiles
  • Key Terminologies and Concepts

Choosing Healthier Materials Design

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
Show info about module content

1 Discussions

  • Global Health Considerations for Designers

4 Videos

  • Introduction to The Path to Becoming a Material Influencer
  • Designing with Material Health in Mind
  • Materials Considerations and Priorities
  • Engaging Communities and Social Justice: Q&A with Anasa Scott-Laude, LEED AP BDC

1 Readings

  • Protocols and Global Material Health

Strategies and Principles for Healthier Projects

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
Show info about module content

1 Discussions

  • Establishing Project Considerations: Goals, Material Objectives, and Buy-in

2 Videos

  • Design Principles and Defining Goals
  • Operational Considerations of What We Specify

1 Readings

  • Exploring Parsons Healthy Materials Lab's Method Cards

Challenges, Opportunities, and Inspiration

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • The Path to Becoming a Material Influencer: Summative Assessment

1 Discussions

  • How to Overcome Challenges and Pursue Healthier Project Design

3 Videos

  • There Is No One-Stop Shop for Healthier Materials
  • Inspiring Clients (to Achieve Healthier Projects)
  • The Path to Becoming a Material Influencer Conclusion

1 Readings

  • Rising Demand for Healthier Buildings

Pre-Search: Creating a Healthy Framework

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
Show info about module content

1 Discussions

  • Utilizing Tools and Resources for Sourcing Healthier Materials

3 Videos

  • Introduction to Establishing the Material Evaluation Process
  • Transparency and Disclosure Criteria
  • Performance, Quality, and Affordability

1 Readings

  • The Construction Material Pyramid and Sourcing Healthier Furnishings

Compiling Options and Information

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
Show info about module content

1 Discussions

  • Applying Healthier Material Protocols

2 Videos

  • Where to Start
  • Review and Outreach to Manufacturers

1 Readings

  • Understanding Your Options: Using the Red List and HPDs

Product Assessment and Characterization

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Establishing the Material Evaluation Process: Summative Assessment

1 Discussions

  • Understanding and Applying Material Research

3 Videos

  • Approaches to Reviewing Product Health: Levels of Confidence
  • Utilizing Chemicals of Concern Research to Practice Healthier Design Approaches
  • Establishing the Material Evaluation Process Conclusion

1 Readings

  • Global Resources and Approaches

Comparing Options and Making Decisions

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
Show info about module content

1 Discussions

  • Making a Decision for Healthier Materials

3 Videos

  • Introduction to Beyond Design Aesthetics: Healthier Materials for a Healthier World
  • Translating Transparency Documents Into Actions
  • Hidden Hazards: What's not on the Label

1 Readings

  • Spec Guidance for Healthier Model Making Materials

Inspiration for the Future of Healthier Materials

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
Show info about module content

1 Discussions

  • Wipe Out Waste as Designers

2 Videos

  • Biodesign: Exploring Healthier Alternatives
  • Circularity and Embodied Carbon

1 Readings

  • Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Circular Economy

Progress for the Future

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 PeerReview
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Beyond Design Aesthetics: Healthier Materials for a Healthier World: Summative Assessment

1 Peer Review

  • Vision for a Healthier Materials Project

1 Discussions

  • How to Educate Yourself and Others

4 Videos

  • No Perfect Products: Progress Despite Constraints
  • Transforming the Market
  • Beyond Design Aesthetics: Healthier Materials for a Healthier World Conclusion
  • Sustainable Building: Design and Specification Conclusion

1 Readings

  • A Visionary's Guide to the Future

Auto Summary

"Sustainable Building: Design and Specification" is a professional-level course designed for experienced designers, architects, and contractors focusing on healthier building practices. Led by Coursera, it covers the shift to healthier material choices, evaluation tools for human health, and strategies for healthier designs. The course spans 1500 minutes and offers Starter and Professional subscription options. Ideal for leadership-level professionals in the design and construction industry.

Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP
Instructors

Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP

Catherine Murphy
Instructors

Catherine Murphy