We are on the cusp of a wood revolution that will transform the way we design and build many residential and commercial structures, according to a Canadian architect.
Michael Green, principal with McFarlane Green Biggar Architecture in Vancouver, says that innovations in engineered wood products and wood's environmental advantages are driving new applications for the material.
Green is a speaker at the inaugural WoodSolutions 2010 one day forums to be held in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in September.
"My talk in Australia will tackle the significant negative environmental impact of concrete and steel in building and in turn the significant benefits of wood," he says.
"Architects have a duty to address the problems of our profession as it relates to climate change. I believe the materials we build with are something we can easily address to make an enormous difference that will lead us to carbon neutral and, in time, carbon negative buildings."
Other international speakers for the forums include:
- Andrew Lawrence, associate, Arup Advanced Technology & Research Group, London
- Andy Buchanan, professor of Timber Design, University of Canterbury New Zealand and research director, Structural Timber Innovation Company
- Owen Griffiths, marketing director, McIntosh Timber Laminates, Auckland, New Zealand
Australian speakers will include:
- Allen Kearns, theme leader, Sustainable Cities and Coasts, CSIRO Climate Adaption Flagship
- Richard Leplastrier, architect
WoodSolutions 2010 will be held in:
- Sydney, Tuesday, September 7
- Melbourne, Thursday, September 9
- Brisbane, September 15
WoodSolutions is sponsored by Wood. Naturally Better. and supported by Forest and Wood Products Australia.
