Contemporary wood architecture

University of Oulu: Contemporary wood architecture, 5 ECTS. The course offers an opportunity for adult learners in the field of architecture to reflect, update and develop their knowledge and skills in the context of industrial wood construction and architectural design. Course contents The role, aims and process of architectural design as part of the design team in preliminary design. Structural systems of wood, wood products, prefabricated elements and manufacturing of these. Design guidelines and central sources of information in industrial wood construction. The characteristics of wood construction from the viewpoint of architectural design. Learning outcomes After completing the course, the student can - name established timber construction systems and compare their suitability for different types of buildings, considering the typical objectives set for architectural design - recognise the most common wood products used in timber construction, their manufacturing process from the forest to the finished building, and the most common uses of wood products as part of timber construction systems - on a schematic level, understand and independently seek additional information necessary for design regarding the principles of bracing structural systems and their components, established structural dimensions, and spans - describe the most common prefabrication methods used in timber construction, the significance of prefabrication for timber construction, and the impact of these on architectural design - comprehend the impact of the experiential, structural, acoustic, and fire technical characteristics of wood on architectural design and seek additional information needed during the proposal and general design phases, especially regarding fire regulations - evaluate and recommend design solutions justified from the perspective of timber construction that could serve as a basis for the overall design of a building in the general planning phase.