Acoustics and the Modern Human: Sound Elements as Part of Biophilic Design

Rapidly changing trends in our society, such as urbanization and modern lifestyle, have resulted in the isolation of humans from our experiences within nature. Early research has shown that psychological effects of biophilic design on noise perception have a significant influence on well-being and health such as focus, information retention, productivity, and creativity. In this course, we will identify these potential problems and the effects of them; as well as outline different corrective actions to mitigate/less the issues.

Presenters: Slavi Younger, Frasch and Erin Fernandes, Design Surfaces

Watch the CEU here!

NCIDQ Test Takers Meet Up - Spring 2021

We had a great discussion about the NCIDQ tests, how to prepare for them, and connecting with others also taking the exams in the near future during our virtual meet up on March 30th. See below for our recording, some recommended tools to use while studying, and a link to get connected to a study group!

Webinar Recording can be found through this link.

• Study Resources:

• Practice Exams and study material is for purchase on CIDQ.org.

• Buy the Interior Design Reference Manual by David Kent Ballast and use it as a reference for your studying. Study all topics thoroughly and evenly. Breaking up the material by chapter is helpful.

• Sign up for Qpractice www.qpractice.com.

• Flash cards are great for studying on the go. Check out the App called Quizlet. You can download for free. Create digital flash cards.

• Consider sharing resources with friends, colleagues or a study group

• Study Tips:

• Plan a routine for studying that works for you and stick with it.

• When you take the practice exams, time yourself for the same length as the actual exam.

• Memorize code related tolerances. This will help with faster answers for the PRAC

• Join a weekly study group with your peers. This can help motivate you to maintain your study schedule.

• Test Day:

• You cannot wear any bulky jewelry for the exam. They are strict at the testing facility. Wedding rings and bands are ok. No watches. No large earrings.

• You are given one sheet of paper and pencil to take notes.

• Do not spend too long on questions you do not know. Flag them and come back to them. Do not spend more than a few minutes on a question. You may find the answer on a new question.

• Read case studies and questions carefully. Take your time.

• Remember, for the Fundamental Exam and Professional Exam, 25 questions for each section are pilot questions and do not count. For the Practicum section all the questions count.

• The test is designed so you do not how you did when completed. You may feel like you did a poor job on the exam only to find you passed. Just know you did the best you can and wait for the results.

• IIDA Illinois Resources:

• Study Group – visit the link HERE and complete the Google form. We will follow up and put you in touch with a peer group.

• Education Fund - apply here

CEU: Contract Textiles and Infection Control: Disinfection and the Antimicrobial Question

The ability to clean and disinfect textiles is a top specification driver and will be for the foreseeable future. Now, designers across all fields (and not just healthcare) are faced with the challenge of specifying textiles that will withstand harsh disinfectant cleaner protocols, prone to damage and degrade textiles. These considerations around cleaning, durability and the decision on textiles with antimicrobial additives are considerations that should guide every designer in their specification.

Presenter: Laura Harding

Watch the CEU here!

Designer Showcase Virtual Series

IIDA Illinois is taking RED to TED: Touring Exemplary Design virtual! Given that we did not have the RED Awards last year, we will be highlighting the exemplary work of our A+D sponsors. Check out the recordings of our virtual RED to TED’s featuring work from our A+D firm sponsors.

11.18.20 Box Studios and Eastlake Studio

12.09.20 Perkins & Will and Stantec

1.06.21 Gensler and SCB

1.20.21 Partners by Design and Nelson