AIA Accredited Courses

American Institute of Architects approved continuing education courses

Mechdyne is a proud Iowa company, now in its 25th year of providing quality audiovisual and advanced visualization solutions. We specialize in custom and complex design for new facilities where technology and architectural design blend to create impressive experiences and effective workflow. Exceptional project management and attention to long-term operational requirements result in very satisfied stakeholders.

Earn AIA credits by taking any of our three AIA-accredited courses, either in-person or virtually. We could arrange a lunch-&-learn session for you and your team. Contact us to discuss projects and educational options.

Request a Course

Course One: Engaging Audio Visual Providers Early in Project Teams (#MD022021)

Audiovisual (AV) technologies should be considered in the early stages of project design, especially with the convergence of AV and IT. Audiovisual companies should be integral parts of project teams. This course quickly reviews the range of audiovisual technology options and the infrastructure design considerations that can result. Through good and bad project examples, as well as discussion, this course is ultimately about adding AV technology to buildings while meeting schedules, avoiding rework, and enable client productivity from day one.
Prerequisite Knowledge:
This course does not have any prerequisites though a basic understanding of audiovisual technology may be beneficial.
Learning Objective 1:
Understand the reasons why an audiovisual provider with design/build or integration capabilities should be brought into project teams as early as possible; before concrete is poured.
Learning Objective 2:
Through a university and a corporate example, learn how early involvement is beneficial to the client's end result, including meeting move-in schedules.
Learning Objective 3:
Through a university new building example, understand the implications of audiovisual being involved late in the project.
Learning Objective 4:
Consider how a focus on technology use cases and desired outcomes should be done by AV firms before the design of technology-enabled spaces is complete.

Course Two: Architectural Benefits of Fiber Optic Network Infrastructure Technology (#MD32021)

New design opportunities are being realized as fiber optic-based network infrastructure technology (also called passive optical LAN - PON or OLAN) replaces traditional copper wiring in new construction and renovations; reducing space and structural requirements. Fiber technology also contributes to sustainable design and operations with significant reductions in power, maintenance, and waste.
Prerequisite Knowledge:
No prerequisite knowledge is required.
Learning Objective 1:
Understand the fundamental differences between traditional copper and fiber-based PON/OLAN systems that enable change.
Learning Objective 2:
Learn the extent of design changes that can be made due to the significantly reduced requirements of optical networks.
Learning Objective 3:
Learn how optical networks can contribute to sustainability and LEED certifications.
Learning Objective 4:
Understand how to support PON/OLAN technologies to the benefit of building owners.

Course Three: Large- Scale VR & Displays in Showcase & Innovation Spaces (#MD012021)

Corporations, universities, research centers, government labs, and others are adding large-scale, virtual-reality-enabled showcase spaces to new construction and renovations. These advanced visual environments are used as briefing centers, design and collaboration workspaces, and teaching/training environments. Most of these VR environments are custom to user requirements so the components and space requirements are not standardized. Architects and construction companies will benefit from understanding the range of possible VR environments; this will introduce new design possibilities and information about design requirements.
Prerequisite Knowledge:
There are no prerequisites but a basic understanding of audiovisual systems may be beneficial
Learning Objective 1:
Learn that virtual reality is not limited to head-worn form factors. Custom, room-scale virtual reality displays are being increasingly adopted not just because of their showcase, visual impression but also the value they deliver. Custom displays will benefit from architectural highlights planned early in design.
Learning Objective 2:
Understand and discuss how different use cases may affect design elements
Learning Objective 3:
Understand and discuss the structural, power, and other low voltage considerations for large-scale VR spaces
Learning Objective 4:
Learn about the range of end-use applications for large-scale virtual reality through visual examples and video in the presentation

Learn More About PON Technology