Architectural Wood
As the planet grapples with carbon-induced climate change, cities grapple with the challenges of population growth and society grapples with inadequate space, clever low-carbon architecture and sustainable urban development is increasingly crucial.
Focus and approach
Our goal is to investigate how lateral design with timber can revitalise underutilised urban spaces while contributing to sustainable urban development. Topping-up existing buildings with timber and embracing amphibious architecture present promising solutions for revitalising urban areas, densifying urban fabric, and making alternative use of spaces like air and water. Situated in the metropolitan area of Amsterdam, our studio delves into specific themes of housing, health and well-being, timber tectonics, the anatomy of timber architecture, material physics, and bio-based material design. Through a hands-on approach students will gain practical experience and deepen their understanding of the benefits of learning through making; a creative engagement with materials, techniques and critical thinking skills.
Programme
Students will begin by recalling key concepts related to timber construction and urban density, then analyse case studies to deepen their understanding. Comparison with modernist construction tropes will be made, revealing how engineered timber can outperform rather than mimic concrete. Hands-on making activities, including 1:1 modelling of timber joints, will emphasise practical skills. Through critical analysis of existing urban fabric, students will identify sites for intervention and justify their selection. The final project challenges students to propose bold solutions addressing the pressing housing need. Propositions can include mixed-use, related or supporting programmes.
MSc3/4 Graduation: ‘’Timber for Urban Density’’
Additional:
Students enrolling in this studio bring basic knowledge by first attending the MOOC (massive open online course) Sustainable Building with Timber to find on the EdX platform.
To take part in this studio students all start by beforehand Planting a Tree. Their choice of species and the site of planting will reveal something of each student’s personality, values and intentions.
Inspiration on timber to find here: TREE_TimberREengineered Wood, wood-based, wood-modificated and wood composite materials are suitable for almost all structural elements and components of a building.
The Copenhagen Lessons were presented at the conclusion of “Sustainable Futures – leave no one behind”, the UIA World Congress of Architects 2023, held in Copenhagen. The COPENHAGEN LESSONS build on the substantive new research and practice developed and brought together in the years up to and during the Congress, exploring architecture’s contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The lessons are formulated with the goal that they can serve as inspirational principles to build on, for a sustainable future. 10 Principles to build on.
Additional information
For detailed course descriptions, please visit the study guide:
MSc 3