Mass timber is called the first new way to construct tall buildings in 100 years.
"New structural systems come along rarely, and when they do, they usually wind up transforming cities," writes Justin Davidson.
The potential scale of such technological innovations is why planners should take notice of the advancements in wood construction. After millennia of two types of wood construction, architects have recently added a third technique: "sandwiching layers of wood and adhesive, yields cross-laminated timber (CLT), a kind of super-plywood that comes in immense slabs as long as a bowling lane and as thick as 12 inches."
"When steel replaced iron at the end of the 19th century, the path from the ten-story Home Insurance Building in Chicago to the Empire State Building took less than 50 years. Today, mass timber (the umbrella term for CLT and glulam) could have a similarly radical impact, because it gives architects and builders a chance to think in fresh ways," writes Davidson.
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How to Make US Trains Faster
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Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
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Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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Harvard GSD Executive Education
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NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service