We've all walked into a building or home where it was immediately apparent that the inhabitants were the last thing on the minds of the builders.  These structures can feel oppressive, heavy, industrial, and unwelcoming.  Space & Harmony examines a crucial aspect of architecture and design that remains largely ignored: the psychological impact a building's design can have upon its occupants. Potentially harmful factors discussed include monotony, noise, incompatible colors, poor or inadequate lighting, and the "zoo effect". During this course you will explore innovative designs for healthy dwellings, with special emphasis on their influence in creating ergonomic traffic patterns and a sense of flowing spaciousness, and how to best introduce a sense of variety and harmony to a home or workplace that lessens the impact of human psychological stressors.

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Successful completion of this course conveys 10 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs), and/or 10 credit hours toward IBE certification. It is comprised of nine lessons, which can be read online as well as downloaded as a PDF. The tuition is $70 USD.

CLICK HERE TO ENROLL IN IBE 203.7, FOR IMMEDIATE ONLINE ACCESS

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Architectonics is often defined as the science of architecture. For Bau-Biological purposes, it means so much more. In this course, you will learn essential methods, practices, and principles for creating biologically and ecologically sound structures. We'll discuss energy conservation during manufacturing and building construction, with emphasis on designing homes that are energy efficient in the long-term.

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Topics explored include structures in wood, light-weight construction methods, green & sustainable construction, energy considerations, and seasonal construction.

Successful completion of this course conveys 10 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs), and/or 10 credit hours toward IBE certification. It is comprised of two lessons, and can be read online as well as downloaded as a PDF. The tuition is $70 USD.

CLICK HERE TO ENROLL IN IBE 203.8, FOR IMMEDIATE ONLINE ACCESS

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The city of Münster, Germany was initially built for 14,000 inhabitants in 793 A.D. The current population has multiplied by a factor of almost 20 to its current population of around 270,000 inhabitants, yet its initial design has allowed the city to grow organically. It is now considered the bicycle capital of Germany, where the self-propelled vehicles represent a plurality (37.6 percent) of all traffic in the city.

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In Community Planning, we will explore the history of cities, and the crucial role their culture and consciousness should play as fundamental aspects of community design. The topics discussed include Green Areas; Rainwater Systems; Traffic Control; Solar Architecture; Energy Considerations; Site and Space; Commerce; and Historical Sites.

Successful completion of this course conveys 10 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs), and/or 10 credit hours toward IBE certification. It is comprised of thirteen lessons, and can be read online as well as downloaded as a PDF. The tuition is $70 USD.

CLICK HERE TO ENROLL IN IBE 203.4, FOR IMMEDIATE ONLINE ACCESS

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Taking an objective look at almost any modern city or suburban development reveals that we've taken to building structures based upon economics and expediency rather than livability. Tracts of homes are interrupted by strip malls, cities expand upwards and outwards, swallowing up community after community, and traffic congestion and pollution has become two of the greatest problems we face.

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Ecological Integration explores this situation, the growing crisis of climate change, and why there is an urgent need for ecologically supportive communities, homes, and commercial buildings. This course discusses why and how dwellings should be planned, built, and maintained to integrate with – rather than in competition with or at the expense of – nature.

Successful completion of this course conveys 7 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs), and/or 7 credit hours toward IBE certification. It is comprised of twelve lessons, which can be read online as well as downloaded as a PDF. The tuition is $49 USD.

CLICK HERE TO ENROLL IN IBE 203.2, FOR IMMEDIATE ONLINE ACCESS

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Want to see what a house built on Bau-Biological principles looks like? In Applied Bau-Biologie, we explore inspiring examples of Building Biology principles in practice, in real world circumstances. Among the dwellings studies is the storied Kanuka House, in Hatepe, North Island, New Zealand. Areas examined from a holistic viewpoint include planning, construction details, and energy systems.

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Successful completion of this course conveys 6 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs), and/or 6 credit hours toward IBE certification. It is comprised of three lessons, and can be read online as well as downloaded as a PDF. The tuition is $42 USD.

CLICK HERE TO ENROLL IN IBE 201.4, FOR IMMEDIATE ONLINE ACCESS

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Just like the buildings we study, your Bau-Biological education should rest on a solid foundation.  In this course, we will explore the history, goals, philosophy and application of Building Biology, including its origins in Germany as Bau-Biologie. The holistic approach to designing, building and maintaining homes and offices is examined and put into practice in ways that are mutually beneficial to human occupants and the global environment. Also discussed are today's building culture, the 25 Principles of Bau-Biologie, what makes a building biologist, and Building Biology Professional Guidelines.

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Successful completion of this course conveys 3 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs), and/or 3 credit hours toward IBE certification. It is comprised of ten lessons, and can be read online as well as downloaded as a PDF. The tuition is $49 USD.

CLICK HERE TO ENROLL IN IBE 201.2, FOR IMMEDIATE ONLINE ACCESS

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* The Institute for Building-Biology® & Ecology is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization, founded in 1986, and solely responsible for this online learning center's content and management.