New trends in ceiling designs and materials [AIA course]

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AIA CES class: New trends in ceiling designs and materials [2]

A back-lit, dropped wood ceiling creates a focal point and serves as a wayfinding element at the Florida Hospital Memorial Cancer Institute, in Daytona Beach. The facility was designed by HuntonBrady Architects. Photo: Ben Tanner / Courtesy HuntonBrady Architects

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A broad array of new and improved ceiling products offers designers everything from superior acoustics and closed-loop, recycled content to eased integration with lighting systems, HVAC diffusers, fire sprinkler heads, and other overhead problems.

This course describes how Building Teams are exploring ways to go beyond the treatment of ceilings as white, monolithic planes. Instead, new building designs show how the ceiling can take on renewed importance and focus. Even in everyday spaces, ceilings are central to the interior design and an avenue through which creative Building Teams are enhancing the look and effect they are crafting for a particular space. This course offers an improved understanding of both the stylistic and ornamental aspect of ceiling design and the important technical variables of building system integration.

Take this free AIA/CES course at BD+C University [4]

Course Learning Objectives
Based on the information presented in this course, you should be able to:

• List ceiling elements and design variables that affect building interior environmental performance and occupant health and comfort.
• Explain the general economic, environmental, and constructability benefits of open plenums and suspended ceilings on building design.
• Describe the variables of ceiling design that impact sustainability and occupant health, safety, and welfare.
• Discuss the impact of sustainability advances on ceiling system and manufacturer selection and the health, comfort, and environmental benefit to tenants, visitors, and other building users.