Design for Well-Being
Good design supports health and well-being for all people—considering physical, mental, and emotional effects on building occupants and the surrounding community.
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 Well-Being
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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VOCs in LEED and Other Rating Systems
Feature Short
Most building certifications encourage low-emitting and low-VOC products, but they all do it differently. Here’s how it all fits together.
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What Makes a Product Green Today?
Feature
Lots of manufacturers call their products "green," but are they? Here's our guide to the high-performance attributes that matter.
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Green Design: What’s Love Got to Do with It?
Feature
Beauty, place-making, and even love are motivating many green designers, who see these values complementing core sustainability tenets.
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VOCs: Why They’re Still Here and What You Can Do About It
Feature
“Sick building syndrome” was one of the first problems the green building community tried to solve. We’ve come a long way, but we’re not done yet.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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Cables and Wiring
Product Guide
When possible, products should meet the European Union’s RoHS standards and be free of halogens and PFAS.
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Resilient Flooring
Product Guide
PVC-free and recycled-tire-free flooring, including linoleum and composites with low or no indoor emissions
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Tile
Product Guide
Porcelain tiles that meet third-party environmental standards, and BPA-free adhesives
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Blanket and Batt Insulation
Product Guide
Batts and aerogel blankets with high recycled content, reduced air-quality concerns, or superior performance
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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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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How Fitwel and WELL Are Responding to COVID-19
News Analysis
WELL and Fitwel are advising everything from handwashing signage to humidification.
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Approaches to Building Re-Entry During COVID-19
News Analysis
LEED, WELL, and AIA are all offering strategies for re-occupying buildings during COVID-19 without unduly compromising occupant health.
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A Review of Healthy Building Rating Systems
News Analysis
WELL or Fitwel? Or just LEED? Here’s how to decide on a rating system for occupant health.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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A Tribute to Robin Guenther, Green Healthcare Pioneer
Op-Ed
Robin Guenther advanced new standards for hospitals that were adopted by the larger green building community and integrated into leading rating systems.
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Bring the Noise! It Can Help You Listen.
Op-Ed
Noise-canceling headphones and tightly sealed buildings have more in common than you might think.
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 Beneficial Intersections of Energy, Resilience, and Health
Webcast
How can three important elements of sustainable buildings—energy efficiency, resilience, and health and wellness—be integrated for better overall outcomes?
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Is Using Smart Glass Smart?
Feature
Electrochromic glazing holds the promise of less glare and better energy efficiency with fewer attachments. The reality is much more complicated.
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Smart Glass- A Panel Discussion
Webcast
Arm yourself with knowledge about the potential uses and drawbacks of smart glass, and consider whether the products have improved enough to be used in your next project!
