Spaces & Places (SubStack): Wood has long been recognized as a vital material in the realm of sustainable construction. Its unique properties and benefits make it an increasingly popular choice among architects, builders, and environmentalists alike. In this discussion, we will explore the various motivating factors that contribute to the growing preference for wood in construction projects, particularly focusing on three notable examples of architecture that utilize wood for their facades in Sweden.

In this post about wood architecture, I would like to highlight those SPACES crafted from wood that have transformed into meaningful PLACES, each leaving a lasting impression on me. 

“Changing a space to place is the existential purpose of architecture” – Norberg-Schulz

In no particular order, these are Råå pre-school designed by Dorte Mandrup, Aula Medica at Karolinska Institutet by Wingårdhs and 79&Park Hillside by BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group.

Råå pre-school, winner of the Swedish Timber Prize 2016, located on a scenic beach near the city of Helsingborg, enjoys a special relationship with the landscape in which it is anchored, a connection with nature and natural light. This game of slopes that creates special and diverse spaces indoors, also invites you to play on the roof.

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