Fall semester only; T 1:00–3:30 p.m., Anderson Hall, Room 230
 
This seminar will explore the tectonic potential latent in heavy timber construction systems. As carbon emissions emerge as a driver for new economies, building with wood is increasingly considered as a realistic alternative to other construction systems for mass housing, such as steel or concrete. Interestingly enough, most of the research on high rise timber construction tends to focus on purely technical issues ignoring the constructive and aesthetic potentials of this new building method. This should come as no surprise, as it has often happened with new construction technologies that they take a while to be absorbed culturally: the first iron bridges for instance emulated stone ones, and it was only with time that they found their own formal logic. The seminar will focus on precisely the scale that goes from the construction detail to the repetitive structural system, producing a catalog of new possibilities that will seek to capitalize on the formal and technical potential of a yet unexplored construction material. Work will be developed collaboratively and through the production of large wood models.
 
Small, focused, intermediate-level course in discussion, workshop and/or design-based format on topics related to current research in architecture. Open to qualified non-architecture students, juniors, and above. Space is limited and registration does not guarantee a space in this course. The final course roster is formulated on the first day of class by the individual instructor. 
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