The event, held at the Triennale (“house of architecture”), featured presentations from two of Europe’s leading architectural practices – Carlos Ferrater from Spain and EEA of the Netherlands.
“There is not a strong tradition of using wood in building in Italy, even though they have one of the most comprehensive and sophisticated woodworking industries in the world,” said AHEC’s European director David Venables.
“To attract so many architects to a wood event in Italy confirms attitudes are changing.”
AHEC said most architects who attended the seminar had not been using American hardwoods but many indicated they would be prepared to in the future.
Mr Venables used a series of recent European projects to demonstrate the sustainability and suitability of American hardwoods in architectural applications.
EEA outlined its use of US hardwoods in Milan and St Petersburg, while Carlos Ferrater described Spanish projects where American hardwoods, mainly maple, have been used.
