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Conducting Vulnerability Assessments for Resilient Design

AIAU25-RA02
Included in subscription Included in subscription
3 LU|HSW
5.00
Course expires on: 12/02/2028
$50
Architect$50

Member Price

$75

Non-member Price
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Description

Learn how to conduct building-scale vulnerability assessments that support resilient, climate-adaptive design. This course equips architects and design professionals with a 10-step process for conducting vulnerability assessments to evaluate hazard exposure, identify critical vulnerabilities, and develop effective mitigation strategies.

Using practical examples and a structured approach, you'll assess system performance under risk, quantify hazard loads, and develop solution “menus” aligned with project goals, functional priorities, and feasibility. Topics include hazard identification, vulnerable components, external dependencies, and compound risk.

By the end of the course, you’ll be prepared to lead or support vulnerability assessments for a wide range of building types, translating risk into actionable design decisions.

Learning Objectives

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Define and distinguish core concepts of vulnerability, hazard, resilience, and risk, and explain their relevance to building performance.
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Describe the architect's role in conducting vulnerability assessments and resilience planning, including collaboration with stakeholders and interdisciplinary teams.
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Establish assessment parameters by defining the area of study, identifying critical assets, and evaluating external dependencies.
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Analyze hazard types, damaging components, and site-specific modifiers that influence building vulnerability.
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Evaluate building performance under hazard conditions by assessing structural characteristics, estimating impacts, and quantifying external loads.
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Prioritize risk and develop appropriate hazard mitigation strategies based on likelihood, consequences, preparedness, and functional continuity goals.

Acknowledgments

  • Allison H. Anderson, FAIA
  • Guanzhou Ji, PhD 
  • Bradley Klein, MBA, AIA, LEED AP
  • Diantha S. Korzun, AIA, LEED AP
  • Alan Scott, FAIA, LEED Fellow, LEED AP BD+C, O+M, CEM, WELL AP
  • Sammy Shams, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador, Living Futures Accredited
  • Rebecca Silva, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
  • Cathatina Utami

The course is part of the Resilience in Practice: Mitigating Hazards, Protecting Communities series, purchase as a series to save up to 15%

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