Practising Wood in Architecture

In the stark light of the climate emergency, using wood instead of concrete, steel, or masonry is increasingly seen as a way of reducing the environmental impact of architecture and construction. More and more new buildings are showcasing innovative ways to work with wood. Wood can help architects achieve ambitious sustainability targets, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

How can architects, student architects, and those in the construction industry better understand the qualities, characteristics, and possibilities of building with wood? Practising Wood in Architecture explores the methods, philosophies, and possibilities of contemporary teaching practices in architecture. This book explores how architecture students are learning to build with wood and interrogates the consequences for architectural practice.

Based on original research conducted over two years, the book explores innovative projects that use wood in China, England, Finland, Germany, Mongolia, South Africa, and Switzerland. These case studies demonstrate the many advantages of wood, including its simplicity of use, its affordability, and its sustainability. The book focuses on ongoing initiatives that show the educational and professional impact of the use of wood in architecture and construction by students and professionals alike.