Tall Wood Buildings
2017 - current
Started as a research method course project then funded by Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI), the purpose of this 2-phase study is to understand public perceptions of tall wood buildings. Information from this study can be used by architects and designers to create promotional campaigns and educational initiatives to increase support for the use of wood in the urban built environment.
Picture: Naturally Wood.
Journal Article
August 24, 2018
What Does the Public Believe About Tall Wood Buildings? An Exploratory Study in the US Pacific Northwest
DOI: 10.1093/jofore/fvy025
Little is known about what the public thinks of tall wood buildings (TWBs), which are structures made primarily from wood that are at least five stories tall. Understanding end-user beliefs can help the industry address public preferences and concerns. An online panel of 502 residents in the Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, metropolitan areas showed that only 19 percent were familiar with TWBs. The largest percentages of respondents believed that, compared with concrete and steel buildings, TWBs are more aesthetically pleasing, create a positive living environment, and use materials that regrow. However, they also believed that TWBs have greater fire risk and need more maintenance. Sizable percentages of respondents said they did not know about various durability, performance, aesthetic, and environmental attributes of TWBs. There were few meaningful differences between respondents who reported being familiar and unfamiliar with TWBs, but those who were familiar evaluated TWBs slightly more positively.
3 minutes video
My video talking about what people believe of mid to high rise buildings, made primarily from wood.
Presentations
International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) World Congress
September 29 - October 5, 2020
The IUFRO World Congress, held at 5-year intervals, is one of the largest global forest events attended by more than 3,000 participants. It brings together scientists and stakeholders from all parts of the world to discuss scientific and technical issues related to priority areas of forest research, policy and management. It is interdisciplinary and integrative in scientific content.
Venue: Positivo University, Curitiba, Brazil.