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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Can Commercial Kitchens Go Electric?
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An all-electric commercial kitchen offers potential energy and carbon savings over using natural gas, but making the switch can be complicated—and even controversial.
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ESG: 6 Things Building Professionals Need to Know
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Clients need AEC professionals to help them achieve environmental, social, and governance goals. Here’s how people are turning aspirations into strategies.
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Build Green on a Budget: Lessons from Affordable Housing
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Sustainability doesn’t have to cost more—and no one knows that better than affordable housing experts. But every project type can benefit from these 12 cost-reducing ideas that support people and the planet.
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No More Red Lines: Undoing Our Legacy of Urban Segregation
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Redlining in the U.S. has left us with unsustainable, under-resourced neighborhoods. Inclusive green design can help them heal.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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Interior Paints
Product Guide
These coatings meet the highest industry standards for both indoor emissions and durability.
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Interior Stains and Clear Coatings
Product Guide
These stains and finishes are below SCAQMD standards for VOCs and contain no heavy metals, phthalates, or aromatic solvents.
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Hand Dryers
Product Guide
These high-performance electric hand dryers are energy-efficient, fast, and convenient.
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Wallcoverings
Product Guide
These durable wall treatments have no PVC and no toxic phthalates. This mitigates health concerns with this important design choice.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Three Green Actions to Take While Occupants Work from Home
News Analysis
Now is a perfect time for property owners and managers to pursue these major sustainability initiatives.
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Trust, but Verify: How to Get the Most from Transparency Docs
News Analysis
Third-party verification of HPDs and Declare labels is a growing trend. Is it growing fast enough?
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High Performance, High Design: The COTE Top Ten for 2021
News Analysis
The American Institute of Architects has announced its COTE Top Ten high-performance building winners for this year.
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IAQ Monitoring for COVID: What’s in a Score?
News Analysis
Occupants want access to IAQ data. But it’s a battle between simplicity and accuracy.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Keeping PFAS Forever Chemicals out of Building Products
Spotlight Report
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Everyday ESG: Real People Share How It’s Done
Webcast
Four experts in ESG representing design, construction, and consulting firms will come together during this virtual roundtable to share their field notes and lessons learned.
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Build More or Build Green? Affordable Housing’s False Choice
Spotlight Report
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Build More or Build Green? Affordable Housing’s False Choice
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The housing crisis is also a climate crisis and a social equity crisis. If we change our ways, we can address them all at once.
