I considered myself a wood enthusiast and a tall wood buildings constructor in the making. I wanna share with you this video that change my objectives 6 years ago. It's a TED talk about why we should build wooden skyscrapers by the Architect Michael Green.
Since then I have prepared myself for the challenge, analyzing the players like Structurlam and StructureCraft with their mass timber projects and products like CLT and Glulams. Rothoblaas and Simpson Strong-tie with their connectors. I went to Chile to "La Semana de la Madera" an entire week of expositions about wood were I met Michael Green. In his exposition he mention the Wood Innovation and Design Centre in BC, Canada.
The WIDC is a 7 stories building without a reinforce concrete elevator and stairs core. For me this is a game changer considering other projects like the T3 in Minneapolis or the Brock Commons in Vancouver used this feature in their designs for tall wood construction.
All the images I used from the WIDC and more information can be found in MGA webpage.
My inspiration for this project is wood and particularly the WIDC. I Will like to design a learning and exhibition center with the main attraction being the building itself. A place where an engineer or an architect can learn how to build it just by visiting it. But mainly for everyone to get excited and conscious about why it's made of wood.
Features like FSC certified CLT panels for the floor slabs and walls, curtain walls facade based on a solar analysis. LED lightning with presence or movement sensors, black and grey water manage. With the objective of achieving a LEED pre certification.