Architectural Wood Graduation Studio

As the planet grapples with carbon-induced climate change, cities grapple with the challenges of population growth and society grapples with inadequate space, clever low-carbon architecture and sustainable urban development is increasingly crucial. Wood Studio TUD | Timber for Urban Density during MSc3/MSc4 embarks on an exploration of timber construction's potential for transforming cities. Our goal is to investigate how lateral design with timber can revitalize underutilized urban spaces while contributing to sustainable urban development. Topping-up existing buildings with timber and embracing amphibious architecture present promising solutions for revitalizing urban areas, densifying urban fabric, and making alternative use of spaces like air and water. Situated in the metropolitan area of Amsterdam, our studio delves into specific themes of housing, health and well-being, timber tectonics, the anatomy of timber architecture, material physics, and bio-based material design. Through a hands-on approach students will gain practical experience and deepen their understanding of the benefits of learning through making; a creative engagement with materials, techniques and critical thinking skills. The Wood Studio TUD | Timber for Urban Density seeks to define timber architecture futures; new building typologies aligned with modern bio-based building methods tested with/in urban applications. Students will begin by recalling key concepts related to timber construction and urban density, then analyze case studies to deepen their understanding. Comparison with modernist construction tropes will be made, revealing how engineered timber can outperform rather than mimic concrete. Hands-on making activities, including 1:1 modelling of timber joints, will emphasize practical skills. Through critical analysis of existing urban fabric, students will identify sites for intervention and justify their selection. The final project challenges students to propose bold solutions addressing the pressing housing need. Propositions can include mixed-use, related or supporting program.