Wood Magazine - Issue 3, 2014

“Work more closely with the forest industry”

Trä meets Annika Nordin

Annika Nordin, Professor of Forest Echophysiology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), is one of authors behind the new book on forestry “Som man ropar i skogen”.

Why should structural engineers and architects read this book?
“It’s important to understand the debate about the forest. The question of how we use the forest, now and in the future, is causing lively discussion. Those who use the forest should be more involved.”

What can structural engineers and architects bring to the debate?
“They use wood in one of the most sustainable ways. They should be explaining what properties they want the wood to have, for it to be of most use to them. If they work more closely with the forest industry, they can share their wishes directly with those who manage the forests.”

How might greater knowledge of forestry and material properties affect Swedish architecture, functionally and visually?
“I believe there are opportunities to use woods other than the most common species on a larger scale than is currently the case. Perhaps we can take a little inspiration from Finland? I think they have several examples of public buildings that make innovative use of wood. Here in Umeå the new train station, Umeå East, was a pleasant surprise and a move in the right direction.”

“Work more closely with the forest industry”

Annika Nordin

Personalities that trä has met

»The world really has to achieve something major this year.«

»If you have an idea, it’s important to be involved with all the details«

»It’s important to be involved in regular housing development.«

“We must use every type of resource in the most effective way possible.”

»Doesn’t it feel like we’re in a wood revolution?«

»Important to encourage an interest in architecture.«

»We have to play our part in creating great architecture«

»BIM is going to break through with today’s young people. They are our future.«

“I’m always working on the best mix of materials”

There’s far too little capacity in the market when it comes to CLT

A new way to save energy

Structure and form or form and structure? That is the question

“We’re constantly striving to come up with new engineering ideas”

“Wood was more exciting than working with concrete.”

»In order to design wooden buildings, you have to be interested in trees.«

»We’re constantly looking for the best combination of form and structure«

»Tall buildings can be built faster and more economically«

We want to help build a cleaner & more attractive city

»We want to reconnect with the material’s history«

»Sweden could become a leading wood nation«

»Knowledge is turning more people onto wood«

»Within three years, we’ll be constructing 16-storey buildings in wood«

»The material is the machine!«

“We’re going to see more examples of attractive facades”

»Show respect for and challenge the setting.«

»Wood is a democratic material.«

»I choose wood where it is exposed to our human senses.«

»Good architecture ensures better care for older people.«

»We architects have to learn to embrace toxin-free & eco-friendly designs.«

»Architectural, eco-friendly and good value housing.«

“Work more closely with the forest industry”

Annika Nordin

Personalities that trä has met

»The world really has to achieve something major this year.«

»If you have an idea, it’s important to be involved with all the details«

»It’s important to be involved in regular housing development.«

“We must use every type of resource in the most effective way possible.”

»Doesn’t it feel like we’re in a wood revolution?«

»Important to encourage an interest in architecture.«

»We have to play our part in creating great architecture«

»BIM is going to break through with today’s young people. They are our future.«

“I’m always working on the best mix of materials”

There’s far too little capacity in the market when it comes to CLT

A new way to save energy

Structure and form or form and structure? That is the question

“We’re constantly striving to come up with new engineering ideas”

“Wood was more exciting than working with concrete.”

»In order to design wooden buildings, you have to be interested in trees.«

»We’re constantly looking for the best combination of form and structure«

»Tall buildings can be built faster and more economically«

We want to help build a cleaner & more attractive city

»We want to reconnect with the material’s history«

»Sweden could become a leading wood nation«

»Knowledge is turning more people onto wood«

»Within three years, we’ll be constructing 16-storey buildings in wood«

»The material is the machine!«

“We’re going to see more examples of attractive facades”

»Show respect for and challenge the setting.«

»Wood is a democratic material.«

»I choose wood where it is exposed to our human senses.«

»Good architecture ensures better care for older people.«

»We architects have to learn to embrace toxin-free & eco-friendly designs.«

»Architectural, eco-friendly and good value housing.«

English heading

»We want to reconnect with the material’s history«

»Sweden could become a leading wood nation«

»Within three years, we’ll be constructing 16-storey buildings in wood«