Two apparently unconnected events with real significance to the timber industry have just occurred.
In Newcastle one of the most exhilarating Institute of Wood Science conferences yet demonstrated the importance of the timber trade engaging architects. Case studies were presented by Renzo Piano Building Workshop on the Rome Auditorium and Edward Cullinan Architects on the Downland Gridshell and the 120 delegates, many of them architects, discussed the increasing fashion for designing with wood.
Later, in London, the Wood Awards, which attracted 208 entrants, celebrated some of the most exciting, but also some very everyday architectural projects from Pitlochry to Falmouth. They included the use of hardwoods, softwoods, sheet materials and engineered wood and ranged from high profile designer buildings in Edinburgh, to self-build housing in Tilbury.
Both events have been secured by the enlightened sponsorship of no fewer than 22 wood organisations, from federations such as the TTF and BWF, generic campaigns such as wood. for good and AHEC, to companies like Timbmet and Finnforest – a remarkable fact. Media partners, such as TTJ, RIBA Journal and Architecture Today, were also vital in making the link. Wood is enjoying an architectural renaissance, but only if the timber industry continues to participate in its momentum will the full potential be realised against other materials competing for architects’ attention.
While the Gridshell was a gold winner at the Awards on Wednesday, wood won another chance to shine with the announcement that the event will now be held annually. Thus the Wood Awards 2004 have already begun, reflecting the confidence of the organisers in the growing number and quality of projects using wood.
Wood also won the heart of Amanda Baillieu, editor of RIBA Journal and one of six judges. Writing in her leader to the special supplement that will hit the desks of 55,000 readers of RIBA Journal and Building magazine this month, she said: “These awards are all about wood’s diversity… and exemplify wood’s possibilities for both tradition and innovation.”
