Aug 23 2005
GE has launched a new online continuing education (CE) course that provides members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) an opportunity to earn CE credits.
The GE course covers an alternative building method known as component construction. Titled "Component Construction-Building Value for Your Clients," the online course describes the unique attributes of component construction, and how the process can save builders and developers both time and money compared to traditional construction methods. This 20-minute multimedia course includes an overview of design options and real project examples.
It is free to AIA members or anyone who wants to learn more about component construction. The course uses the GE PermaCon™ Component Construction process to provide field examples of the construction flexibility available to architects using the component approach for erecting permanent buildings.
"Using a component construction approach for building permanent structures of up to four stories can deliver lasting aesthetics and fiscal value for builders and developers," said John Lima, Vice President of Custom Projects for GE's Modular Space business.
"By educating architects on the value which component construction creates, they can better understand the concept, and more confidently recommend it to their clients who want conventional structures in shorter construction cycles."
Lima noted that component construction uses the same code-compliant materials required for conventional construction such as steel, concrete, wood and wallboard. The added value comes from the ability to enable completion and occupancy of a building up to 50 percent faster. This benefits both the tenants and owners. He said the alternative construction method is gaining rapid acceptance by architects and builders in many sectors including education, health care, general commercial, hospitality, government and manufacturing.
Finding and Taking the Course This new AIA continuing education course can be accessed "on-demand" by visiting the education section of www.bdcmag.com or by visiting GE's site at www.gepermacon.com. GE developed the new CE course in partnership with a leading building industry trade publication which hosts and administers the course and the end-of-course test. Completion of the free online course and successful completion of the associated test earns architects one Learning Unit (LU) hour toward the annual 18 LU hours required by the AIA. GE PermaCon™ Component Construction and Site Services is a breakthrough approach to the creation of permanent buildings. It brings together comprehensive project management services with an accelerated construction timetable to deliver lasting aesthetics and fiscal value.
Additional information is available at http://www.gepermacon.com.