Coursera

Sustainable Building: Design and Specification (Coursera)

Offered by Parsons School of Design, The New School,

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.

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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
This course is part of the Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building Specialization.

Syllabus

The Path to Becoming a Material Influencer
Module 1
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!

Establishing the Material Evaluation Process
Module 2
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
Module 3
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!

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