Embracing Material Intelligence: How the Pacific Northwest is Promoting Timber Innovation

"Designers are centering material intelligence in constructing our cities... Few materials embody this shift as vividly as cross-laminated timber (CLT)."

"Countries like Austria and Norway understand timber as standard practice for mid-rise and high-rise construction, while the U.S. lags behind due to regulatory challenges."

Material intelligence emphasizes the performance and adaptability of materials, particularly in sustainable urban construction practices. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is highlighted as a prime example of this shift, offering strength and reduced carbon emissions. While European countries embrace mass timber as a standard, the United States has been slow to adopt these practices due to regulatory hurdles and a prevailing reliance on traditional materials. However, the Pacific Northwest demonstrates a promising model for integrating timber into urban construction amid ongoing environmental challenges.

Read at ArchDaily