The Wood That Makes Our Cities

Wood is a great building material for sustainable architecture, but where does it come from? This book explores the ecological, economic, industrial, and technical challenges of using timber for major structures and urban architecture, with examples from France, Austria, and Hermann Kaufmann. It is richly illustrated with new images by French architecture photographer Cyrille Weiner.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2022
Publisher: Park Books

Wood is a remarkable building material for sustainable architecture, as it possesses the unique ability to regenerate and absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). However, it is essential to understand the origins of wood in each context and explore how we can adapt forestry and wood processing to meet the demands of the future. In this regard, conventional notions of professions and qualifications in architecture, engineering, and construction are being tested by utilizing wood as a construction material.

To delve into these topics, French journalist Michèle Leloup and architect François Leclercq, pioneers in timber construction in France, have conducted extensive research on the ecological, economic, industrial, and technical challenges associated with using timber for large structures and urban architecture. Their findings are compiled in this book, which offers a comprehensive overview of the subject matter through examples from the French forestry and construction industry. Additionally, the book takes a closer look at Austria and the innovative work of Hermann Kaufmann, an internationally renowned leader in the further development of traditional timber architecture.

Furthermore, The Wood That Makes Our Cities features five projects by Leclercq Associés, showcasing the diverse applications of wood in contemporary construction. The book is richly and attractively illustrated with new images by French architecture photographer Cyrille Weiner, providing a visual feast for readers interested in timber construction and urban design.

In summary, The Wood That Makes Our Cities is a valuable resource for architects, engineers, policymakers, and anyone interested in sustainable building practices. It offers a concise survey of topical questions and findings in contemporary timber construction, providing insights into the potential of wood as a sustainable building material and the challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its successful integration into the built environment.

Weight: 1078g
Dimension: 320 x 225 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783038602583