I am thrilled to announce the launch of my latest course on LinkedIn Learning, "Architectural Materials: Designing for Excellence and Sustainability." This course has been a passion project of mine, driven by a belief in the profound connection between materials and architecture. In an era dominated by technology, screens and digital advancements, the tangible and aesthetic qualities of our physical surroundings continue to wield the power to inspire and connect us in meaningful ways.
Diving into the Course Content
The course delves into various aspects of architectural materials, ranging from historical perspectives to specifying materials and exploring their relationships with different building typologies. One of the key highlights is the course's heavy emphasis on sustainability – a crucial consideration in today's architectural landscape.
As architects, our innate connection with materials often gets lost, both in our professional practice and as occupants of the spaces we design. This course aims to bridge that gap, bringing back the awareness and significance of materials in the architectural process.
A Collaborative Journey
The process of creating this course was an enriching journey, made possible through collaboration and partnership with LinkedIn Learning and my ride or die crew there. I had the privilege of working with talented individuals such as Rafranz David, my contact manager, Brittany Bauhaus, the producer, and Jacob Cunningham, the director. Together, we crafted a comprehensive learning experience that goes beyond traditional boundaries and adds to the already existing architectural and design learning track.
During the filming process at the LinkedIn Learning campus in Carpinteria, I took an unconventional step by bringing my daughter and our tiny Maltese, Chippy, along. It was a "ask for forgiveness, not permission" moment, considering that instructors typically aren't accompanied by pets, LOL! This added a personal touch to the course development experience and made it even more memorable.
Behind the Scenes: Designing the Filming Space
While the course was filmed in a soundproof green screen studio, the background featured in the course and the walkthroughs is our actual architectural project completed for B3 on the LinkedIn Carpinteria campus. Completed in 2022, the project comprises a large open space, conference rooms, private focus areas, and audio recording zones for courses like this one but audio. It's a full-circle moment to be able to use our own project as the main case study for a course on architectural materials.
Beta Tester Feedback
Before its release, the course underwent a rigorous testing phase, and I am delighted to share feedback from beta testers. One learner noted, "The visually stunning color-matched live feed communicates professionalism, attention to detail, and effect without using any visual cues other than text emphasis or screencap examples." Another emphasized the course's value, stating, "This is a great addition to the library since it nails at giving the introduction to the major sustainable types of architectural materials."
Ready for Viewing
After meticulous development, including assessments and testing, I am excited to announce that the course is finally available for viewing! Whether you're an intermediate learner looking to deepen your understanding of sustainable materials or a professional preparing to tackle real-world scenarios, this course serves as an invaluable resource.
Thank you to everyone involved in making this course a reality. I invite you to explore the intricate world of architectural materials with me on LinkedIn Learning. Happy learning!