Shigeru Ban: Timber in Architecture

Wood is being used in innovative ways to design and construct buildings, offering a sustainable and healthy alternative to traditional materials. Featured are over 50 buildings, including museums, offices, and residential spaces, showcasing the state-of-the-art in this emerging technology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2022
Publisher: Rizzoli International Publications

Wood, a timeless building material, is undergoing a remarkable transformation in the way we design and construct buildings today. As our work-life balance shifts and we strive for a carbon-neutral future, we gain a deeper understanding of the resources consumed by buildings and their impact on the environment. Studies have revealed the positive effects of wood on health, wellness, and working equity within our local communities as we create beautiful spaces for gathering, learning, and living.

Initially used as a decorative element in the facade of buildings in the early 2000s, mass timber is now emerging as a viable alternative to traditional steel-and-concrete construction. With advancements in technology, mass timber is even being used in the structural frame of tall buildings. Featured in this title is a comprehensive survey of over 50 buildings, showcasing the state-of-the-art applications of this ancient material. From museum projects like the Aspen Museum of Art to Pompidou Metz, the new global headquarters for Swatch, and temporary shelters for both natural and man-made disasters, these buildings demonstrate the boundless imagination and potential of wood as a building material.

Notable examples include the Mount Fuji World Heritage Center, La Seine Musicale Performance Hall in Paris, the Oita Prefectural Museum, and the 19-story Terrace House in Vancouver, which is currently the world's tallest mass timber building. Scheduled for completion in 2022, Terrace House showcases the innovative use of wood in contemporary architecture, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with this sustainable and resilient material.

In conclusion, wood, as one of the oldest building materials, is experiencing a remarkable renaissance. Its versatility, sustainability, and positive impact on health and well-being make it an increasingly popular choice for architects and builders alike. As we continue to explore new applications and technologies, wood will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future of our built environment.

Dimension: 297 x 212 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780847872220