Renowned architecture, art and design school, the Cass at London Metropolitan University is launching the capital’s first postgraduate programme in Timber Technology. This will address key skills shortages in the architecture and construction sectors, stimulate economic growth, and respond to the growing demand for sustainable building.
England requires 240,000-340,000 new homes per year in order to tackle the housing shortfall. Research from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Timber Industry has identified timber as a potential solution to the housing crisis, with all major political parties committed to supporting the building of new homes.
As the only widely available construction material that allows for carbon negative construction, timber will be central to the future sustainable development of London, the UK and internationally, with many local authorities establishing a ‘timber first’ approach to planning policy as part of a series of moves towards a green economy.
The MSc Timber Technology will equip its graduates with the expertise to directly shape these shifts in design and construction, who will see professional benefit from the increasing demand for their specialist skills. Students will graduate with an holistic understanding of timber, from its micro to its macro scale properties, giving them the confidence and skills to design with dimensional and engineered timber.
They will also learn about adjacent disciplines including sustainable forestry practice and the timber construction industry. This will help ensure that their own technical architectural designs align with the latest construction practices and efficiencies associated with design for manufacture and assembly.
“London is home to some of the largest timber buildings in the world, and has been an early adopter of mass timber buildings in Europe,” said Professor Christian Frost, head of architecture at London Metropolitan University. “The skills and expertise of London Metropolitan University’s academic staff, who have had successful professional careers in architecture and design, make us well placed to offer the capital’s first MSc Timber Technology.
“The architecture sector is currently worth around £2bn to London’s economy, and has been growing year-on-year. The increasing demand for timber construction means students will have the opportunity to be truly innovative as they develop their skills, and we’re looking forward to working with the first cohort on exciting new creative projects.”
London Metropolitan University has an excellent reputation for delivering architecture courses with practical application, and enjoys close links with the people and organisations that shape London. In the last year alone, the University has seen significant recognition for its alumni and staff, including Gatti Routh Rhodes named as 2019 Young Architect of the Year; Dr Paulo Moreira shortlisted for the 2019 RIBA President’s Research Award; and David Leech Architects, whose principal instructs at London Metropolitan University, winning the 2019 AJ Small Projects Award.
