Wood Magazine - Issue 1, 2015

»Knowledge is turning more people onto wood«

Trä meets Marie Johansson

Marie Johansson is Professor of Structural Engineering at Linnaeus University in Växjö, Sweden. She spends much of her time finding solutions for the transition to a bio-based economy.

What does that entail?
“I work in the field of BioInnovation with responsibility for the area of construction and design. This means I work with researchers, the construction industry, property owners, architects and structural engineers to find solutions for a switch to sustainable building.”

What are the key issues for 2015?
“There’s a need to improve the business models and processes for building in wood. We already have several highly successful construction systems, but what is the best way to sell them? What form does the optimum process – from drawing board to moving in – actually take? In addition, shorter lead times will probably result in lower prices for building in wood.”

How can architects and structural engineers contribute to a bio-based economy?
“It requires a greater focus on these issues in the education system. The more knowledge architects and structural engineers have, the more likely they are to consider wood right from the drawing board. I hope it will become natural for architects to go to the factory and ask: If I want to build something like this, how would the production work?”

»Knowledge is turning more people onto wood«

Marie Johansson

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«

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

“Work more closely with the forest industry”

»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.«

»Knowledge is turning more people onto wood«

Marie Johansson

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«

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

“Work more closely with the forest industry”

»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«