The way we design and construct larger-scale buildings is rapidly changing as architects weigh the impacts of their work on the environment. Research suggests that up to 50% of the climate-change crisis is caused by carbon dioxide released as a result of construction, with the extensive use of high-embodied-energy concrete, steel, and aluminum among the biggest contributors. Timber is the only building material that has the ability to sequester CO2, rather than to release it, and is a renewable resource when properly harvested. So why don’t we see more wood buildings in our cities?  A major factor has been that building codes have typically limited the use of wood construction to five or six stories, but newly adopted sections of the International Building Code will allow timber towers to 18 stories and beyond, beginning in 2021. The objective of this 3-credit Building Technology seminar course is to help develop understandings of timber construction opportunities for medium and high-density urban applications. We will discuss methods and sequences of construction, and develop drawing , modeling and communication/presentation resources, as well as technical and conceptual skills enabling personalized design processes focused on the making of architecture, with the intent that students can immediately apply them in their current and future design projects. To this end, we will discuss timber manufacturing, construction and fabrication processes, and tools, materials and building techniques, within the context of employing these issues as creative considerations within the design process.  Student teams will analyze ground-breaking case studies of built timber structures by leading international architects through drawings and models. Note that there will be a related-topic Integrated Studio offered this semester by the same instructor for an urban tall timber building, and interested students are welcome to take either or both course
 

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