Institute for Architectural Science and Technology
Elevate your expertise in façade engineering, architectural technology and building physics. Welcome to our online platform offering comprehensive expert-led educational courses.
About IAST
Welcome to the Institute for Architectural Science and Technology (IAST), a vibrant community of professionals committed to sharing their expertise and promoting best practices in the construction industry.
Our core mission is to elevate professional standards and foster greater competence. Recognising the importance of continuous development, we strive to offer ample opportunities for professional growth.
Maintaining close relationships with our industry partners is vital to us. Their contributions to research and educational program development allow us to cater to the current needs and requirements of the industry. Through collaboration and technical support, we work with our industry partners to design the most effective educational programs and certification exams.
Whether you're an expert or an aspiring professional, IAST is the perfect platform to connect, learn, and grow together, making a lasting impact on the world of architectural science and technology.
Retrofitting Brutalism Case Study
Short Course
Retrofitting Brutalism Case Study Course is based on the redevelopment
case study of the iconic façade of Welbeck Street Car Park (London, United Kingdom. The goal of the course is to educate the professional community about façade retrofitting strategies. While explaining the aspects of thermal efficiency, the risks of
condensation, fire safety, movement and tolerances, acoustics, structural
integrity, logistics, and access strategies. We use state-of-the-art visual aids
created by our team.
Pre-Qualification Assessment
Find out where you are in your façade professional journey.
This pre-qualification assessment serves as a starting point for individuals interested in joining the IAST. It is designed to determine whether our Courses and Certifications align with your interests, learning goals, and qualification aspirations.
Applied Façade Engineering
Foundation course
The Applied Facade Engineering Course was created and peer-reviewed by industry leaders in facade design and engineering.
This course covers a range of topics, including façade design principles, structural and façade systems, materials, and performance. With a focus on practical application, this course offers hands-on learning opportunities to help you develop your proficiency in façade engineering. Join our community of aspiring façade engineers and embark on a journey towards becoming a master in the art of creating visually captivating, robust and structurally sound façades.
Building Envelope Energy Performance Evaluation
Advanced Course
Our specialised course in Envelope Energy Performance Evaluation is designed to provide you with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in assessing and optimising the energy performance of building envelopes. Through our expert-led curriculum, you will gain a deep understanding of the principles and techniques involved in evaluating thermal insulation, air leakage, moisture control, and fenestration systems. Our interactive learning approach includes real-world case studies, allowing you to analyse and assess different façade type scenarios. By mastering the art of energy performance evaluation, you will be equipped to make informed decisions and recommendations to enhance building performance, sustainability and efficiency. Join our community of aspiring energy professionals and unlock the potential to shape the future of environmentally conscious architecture.
Façade Remediation for Fire Safety
Advanced Course
Our specialised course in Façade Remediation for Fire Safety is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and practical skills to assess and address fire safety risks associated with building envelopes. Through our expert-led curriculum, you will learn about the latest fire safety regulations, industry best practices, and innovative remediation techniques to enhance the fire performance of building façades. From identifying hazards to implementing effective remediation strategies, our course covers a range of topics including materials selection, cladding systems, fire barriers, and assembly. By mastering the art of remediating façades for fire safety, you will be equipped to make critical decisions and implement required measures. Join our community of dedicated professionals and contribute to creating safer built environments through comprehensive fire safety solutions.
Condensation and Mould Risk Analysis
Advanced course
Our specialised Condensation and Mould Risk Analysis course offers architects, façade designers, and construction professionals a thorough understanding of condensation and mould risk analysis in façade design. The course goes beyond key factors influencing condensation and mould risk in façade design. Through our expert-led curriculum, you will gain a holistic understanding of the interplay between thermal performance, ventilation, and moisture control in façade design. We explore various analytical methods and tools for condensation and mould risk assessment of façade interfaces and build-up walls. The course provides insights into industry best practices and current regulatory standards related to condensation and mould control. Through a combination of theoretical lessons and hands-on exercises, this course equips professionals with the tools necessary to optimise façade design for enhanced durability, occupant health, and energy efficiency.
Rainscreen Cladding Construction Design
Advanced course
This specialised course is designed for construction professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of rainscreen cladding construction stage design. Through a combination of theoretical lessons, case studies, and hands-on exercises, this course equips professionals with the tools necessary to produce robust construction stage interface details, panels and subframe layouts and fabrication drawings of ancillary items. The course is based on real-life case studies of stone, terracotta, porcelain, extruded and pressed aluminium façades. We will explore the material limitations of these materials and critical considerations when designing robust interfaces, producing fabrication documentation and scheduling materials for procurement. Gain practical knowledge in coordinating with architects, structural engineers, suppliers and manufacturers during the construction and installation phases.
Stick Curtain Wall Construction Design
Advanced course
This specialised course is designed for construction professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of stick curtain wall construction stage design. Through a combination of theoretical lessons, case studies, and hands-on exercises, this course equips professionals with the tools necessary to produce robust construction stage interface details, glass and profile layouts and fabrication drawings of ancillary items. The course is based on real-life case studies of various curtain wall screens. We explore the components and assembly methods and guide participants through the documentation required to design, procure, fabricate, and install compliant curtain wall screens. Gain practical knowledge in coordinating with architects, structural engineers, suppliers and manufacturers during the construction and installation phases.
Façades Movement and Tolerances
Advanced course
This specialised course is designed to provide engineers specialising in façade design with a comprehensive understanding of movement and tolerances in building enclosures. Through a carefully crafted curriculum led by industry experts, participants will gain invaluable insights into the various types of movement-building enclosures experience. The course will focus on evaluating and selecting appropriate materials, jointing techniques, and detailing to effectively accommodate movement in primary and secondary structural frameworks. Participants will be exposed to several case studies showcasing different façade assemblies, such as unitised curtain walls, stick curtain walls, and rainscreen cladding on lightweight steel stud walls. Participants will be guided through the process of preparing movement and tolerance reports for each of the case studies discussed during the course. This exercise will enhance their ability to implement their learnings in real-world scenarios.
Bespoke Courses for Corporate Clients
Tailored Course for Corporate Needs
We understand that every organisation has unique learning needs and specific goals. Our specialised courses are tailored to meet the specific requirements of your company, providing a customised learning experience for your team. Whether you are seeking to enhance your employees' knowledge in façade engineering, building envelope energy performance evaluation, remediating façades for fire safety, or any other related topic, we design courses that align with your industry and objectives. Our expert instructors will collaborate closely with your organisation to develop a curriculum that addresses your specific challenges and focuses on practical applications within your specific field. With flexible scheduling options and online delivery, our bespoke courses enable your employees to access high-quality training at their convenience, promoting professional growth and enhancing your organisation's capabilities. Partner with us to unlock the potential of your team and drive innovation and excellence.
FAQ
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How are the courses taught?
All our courses are conducted 100% online, eliminating the need for physical attendance. This offers our students the flexibility to pursue their learning goals from the comfort of their preferred location and environment, saving valuable time on travel. Each course is thoughtfully structured into manageable modules, optimizing the learning experience. These modules encompass a wide range of engaging learning activities, including videos, links to online resources, infographics, digital models, drawings, quizzes, real-world case studies, webinars, and assignments. We typically encourage students to complete one to two modules per week, ensuring a steady and immersive learning journey. Throughout the course, you will have ample opportunities to interact with the course leader's team through weekly webinars. Moreover, you will apply the knowledge acquired each week by submitting assignments. Additionally, some courses offer personalized feedback sessions with the course leader upon course completion. For more information on this, please refer to the specific course details. We aim to provide an enriching and interactive learning experience tailored to your needs.
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How flexible are the courses in accommodating my schedule?
Our courses are designed to be flexible and cater to the needs of busy working professionals. We understand that your time is valuable, and we have created concise and well-structured learning materials to optimize your learning experience. On average, successful completion of a course will require no more than six hours of your time per week. If you happen to have a particularly busy week, you can always catch up on your coursework during the weekend. Additionally, all webinars are scheduled on weekends to accommodate the maximum number of participants. In the event that you are unable to attend a webinar, a recording will be made available to you until the end of the course. We strive to provide flexibility and convenience to ensure you can successfully complete the course at your own pace.
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Are there any due dates?
To ensure a structured learning experience, there are weekly deadlines for submitting activities. All submission deadlines will be communicated in advance before the course starts. We recommend adhering to these deadlines to maximize the benefits of the course. However, if you fail to submit an assignment on time, we will still accept it. Please note that our weekly webinar may not cover the feedback for late submissions. It is essential to complete all assignments by the course end date. If you require additional time, we offer an extension request service (terms and conditions apply). Your dedicated success adviser is available to assist you with any scheduling challenges you may face.
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What sort of qualification do I receive upon completion?
Upon successfully finishing a course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. Our online short courses equip students with practical skills to remain confident, competent, and relevant in the workplace. It is important to note that these courses do not count towards university degree or diploma credits. Some courses also offer Mock Exams and Certification Exams as part of our Professional Certification Programmes. Please refer to the specific course details for additional information.
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How do I obtain a Certificate of Completion?
Throughout the course, you will undergo continuous assessment based on online assignments and your overall participation. The quizzes can be taken multiple times during the duration of your access to the course materials, allowing you to enhance your learning outcomes. Participants who achieve passing scores or higher in the Final Assignment will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. The passing scores vary depending on the course. For more information, please refer to the course details.
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What kind of support can I expect during the course?
From the beginning to the end of the course, you will have a dedicated success adviser who will provide support and guidance. They will be available online during office hours to assist you with administrative and technical matters throughout the course. Additionally, the course leader team will offer content support through weekly assignments, feedback forms, and webinars to further enhance your learning experience.