Global Seminar | Timber Heritage

Overview:

In recent years, there have been various initiatives in the building sector to achieve a decarbonised society. While many examples of modern architecture using MET (Mass Engineered Timber) have appeared in Europe, Canada and the USA in recent years, timber buildings are also attracting attention in Japan. Japan has some of the oldest and largest timber buildings in the world. Until modern times, most buildings in Japan were made of wood. However, when the Building Standards Act was passed in 1950, the height and scale of timber buildings in urban areas was restricted, and since then steel frame and reinforced concrete have been the predominant construction methods.

Since late 1980’s, deregulation and a growing awareness of green building have led to an increasing number of medium and large-scale buildings being constructed in timber.

Takenaka Corporation is a leading Japanese design and construction company with a long tradition as a master carpenter. Today, Takenaka is the most advanced timber construction company in Japan and boasts many references.

What kind of timber buildings will we, the inheritors of a long tradition of timber architecture, produce in the future, and how will they contribute to the realisation of a carbon-neutral built environment?

Presenter:

external pageRyusuke Kojiocall_made
Licensed/Registered Architect in Japan, Germany, and APEC
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Master of Arts in Architectural Conservation, DOA, NUS
General Manager, Design and Global Solutions, Takenaka Corporation Asia Regional Headquarters