Free AIA Continuing Education Courses

    Great design starts with possibility, and glass block remains one of the most innovative architectural materials in modern construction. This free, one-hour online continuing education course is designed to help architects and design professionals expand their glass block design strategies. Topics include design benefits, shape and pattern options, installation best practices, and high-performance architectural applications, with a special focus on resilience, including hurricane-rated and fire-resistant building solutions. Take the Free Course Online and elevate your architectural design approach today.

    Course Overview

    Architectural glass block isn’t just a nostalgic design element—it’s a versatile, engineered solution that can support modern aesthetics and real-world performance needs. In this course, you’ll explore glass block technology from the ground up: distinctive qualities, design flexibility, product applications, and the installation techniques that help projects succeed—including specialty applications like curved walls.

    You’ll also dig into performance-driven use cases, including high-performance glass block systems designed to help address environmental forces, with a focus on resilient design considerations and 2-hour fire-resistant wall systems as highlighted in the course content.

    1. Glass Block Advantages + Design Possibilities
      Key benefits, distinctive qualities, shapes, and design options
      Where glass block adds value aesthetically and functionally

    2. Design + Installation Fundamentals
      Construction methods, best practices, and safety considerations
      Patterns, sizes, shapes, and site-specific detailing (including curved walls)

    3. Resilience + Performance Considerations
      How glass block systems can support strategies related to hurricane, noise, and fire mitigation
      Integrating safety features into design intent

    4. Case Studies + Problem Solving
      Real examples that highlight design flexibility and problem-solving capabilities
      Practical takeaways you can apply to current project challenges

      Course Outline

    Credits Earned Upon Completion

    • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour (Course ID: GBA04C)

    • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour

    • 1 AAPEI Structured Learning Hour

    • 1 AIBD CE Hour (Building Design)

    • 1 BOMI CPD Hour

    • 1 FBPE PDH (for FBPE members)

    • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour

    • 1 OAQ Self-Directed Learning Hour

    • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour