The Wood Design and Technology programme at Växjö University holds the largest concentration of timber expertise ever seen in Sweden. Eleven professors and 22 PhD students work at the department. In Sweden, the research and teaching that the university offers is just as unique as the story behind the new centre for wood R&D.
In the past, most of the funds for wood research were poured into the central and northern regions of the country, so the expansion of Växjö University represents a new direction. The events have been so exciting for initiator and dean Mårten Bentz that he has decided to write a book about the creation of the Wood Design and Technology programme in the spectacular new university buildings (made from timber of course).
The financing concept, for example, which initially ensures operation of the programme for the next six years, is interesting and perhaps points the way to the future. Some SKr35m (almost e3.8m) is provided by the state, SKr35m from industry in the region of southern Sweden, and SKr32m from other sources.
Reversal of fortunes
When the new programme was planned, it was discovered that around 80% of the money for research and development in this area of the economy was spent on forestry – and only a small part on the further development of wood products or on research into new marketing methods. The programme in Växjö will reverse this.
The new university building on the Växjö campus is the largest wooden building in Sweden. Hi-tech wooden designs were used for the main wooden structure of laminated beams, while the supporting ceiling sections were a product of the Södra Forestry Group. Wood is combined harmoniously with steel and concrete.
The building has caught the attention of building experts and not just because of its technical and design details. In Sweden, a typical forest country, wood has been used in construction for ages. However, it has rarely been used to construct such a large building, at least not in the past 100 years as fire safety concerns have always been too great.
However, new technology and improved knowledge of fire hazards have brought about a change. Now wood is not only authorised as a material for large buildings in Sweden, it is actually used.
Symbols of stability
Obviously psychological factors also play a part. Large-scale buildings and houses made of stone and concrete were a symbol of stability and durability for a long time. Therefore, it is not surprising that even the timber and forestry industry had heavy concrete bunkers built as their headquarters. This has changed, however. Today more companies are asking for solutions in wood when planning new plants or offices.
Växjö University is probably the first public university to opt for timber in the construction of such a large building and this alone indicates a change in attitude towards timber as a material and a new openness. It is also a decision that saved money as the construction costs for the building proved to be lower than normal.
In the area surrounding the town of Växjö, there is a remarkable concentration of wood processing plants of all sizes. The government has a clear aim of encouraging these industries to invest in product development and further development to lay the foundations for economic growth and to develop the labour market.
Växjö is also situated in the middle of the forests of southern Sweden where tree growth is particularly rapid as a result of the milder climate. This region is one of the most important forest areas of Sweden.
A research and development programme that is clearly directed towards new products and marketing has been drawn up. A small sensation for Sweden, where satirists have described the attitude of the forestry industry as follows: “They [the foresters] stand in front of their forests and look at the trees, turning their backs on the markets!” Even if that is exaggerated, the Växjö project is the step towards more focus on marketing.
The desired interaction between universities and industry is also reflected in the courses offered by the university. Since September, the Wood Design and Technology programme at the School of Industrial Engineering has been an important milestone.
One great advantage of this location is the proximity of the university to the timber industry of the region. It is expected that this closeness will make the courses even more attractive to new students.
