Designing the Forest and other Mass Timber Futures

The book explores the role of mass timber in ensuring the planet's survival, from its potential to replace concrete and steel to its impact on biodiversity and the health of ecosystems. It debunks common assumptions about mass timber and outlines how to move forward with a more sensitive species-based methodology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The urgent need for a transition to renewable energy and materials is paramount if we are to ensure the survival of our planet. One key solution that is gaining attention is the use of mass timber, which has the potential to replace concrete and steel in various construction applications. In this book, we delve into the journey of wood, from its humble beginnings as a seed in the soil of forests to its transformation into harvested biomass, and finally into laminated walls in a living room. We examine the intricate supply chain of mass timber, exploring the labor and economies involved at each stage. We take a close look at the way wood is grown, sourced, and transported, as well as its impacts on the biodiversity of forests and the health of our ecosystems.

One of the key challenges we face in promoting the use of mass timber is the deeply entrenched contexts of extractivism that have prevailed historically. These contexts make it difficult to cultivate sensitive approaches to timber production across landscapes and industrial frameworks. Throughout the book, we debunk common assumptions about mass timber, such as its fire performance, strength, and role in carbon sequestration. We identify contemporary technical, cultural, and spiritual gaps that prevent the full transition towards a fully timber-built environment.

To overcome these barriers, we propose a more sensitive species-based methodology. Designers should be viewed as choreographers of carbon, transferring and trading between forest, factory, site, and beyond. This requires a shift in mindset, where we prioritize the conservation and regeneration of forests while also promoting sustainable manufacturing practices.

The book will be of interest to a wide range of individuals and professionals. It will be valuable to anyone interested in our built environment and how to design it to be non-extractive, particularly those with an interest in architecture, urbanism, forests, ecology, and timber. It will also be of interest to students of architecture and design who are interested in the generative nature of materials and design processes.

In conclusion, the use of mass timber holds great promise for the future of our planet. By embracing a more sensitive species-based methodology and promoting sustainable practices, we can create a built environment that is both resilient and sustainable. Let us work together to make this transition a reality and secure a brighter future for generations to come.

Weight: 472g
Dimension: 176 x 253 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032023946