Timber Architecture for Sustainable Futures: A Critical Review of Design and Research Challenges in the Era of Environmental and Social Transition
This article provides a critical review of the current design and research challenges in contemporary timber architecture. Conducted from the perspective of a designer-researcher, the review focuses on the role of wood as a material at the intersection of environmental performance, cultural meaning,...
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| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-08-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/15/2774 |
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| author | Agnieszka Starzyk Nuno D. Cortiços Carlos C. Duarte Przemysław Łacek |
| author_facet | Agnieszka Starzyk Nuno D. Cortiços Carlos C. Duarte Przemysław Łacek |
| author_sort | Agnieszka Starzyk |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This article provides a critical review of the current design and research challenges in contemporary timber architecture. Conducted from the perspective of a designer-researcher, the review focuses on the role of wood as a material at the intersection of environmental performance, cultural meaning, and spatial practice. The study adopts a conceptual, problem-oriented approach, eschewing the conventional systematic aggregation of existing data. The objective of this study is to identify, interpret and categorise the key issues that are shaping the evolving discourse on timber architecture. The analysis is based on peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and 2025, sourced from the Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection databases. Fifteen thematic challenges have been identified and classified according to their recognition level in academic and design contexts. The subjects under discussion include well-established topics, such as life cycle assessment and carbon storage, as well as less commonly explored areas, such as symbolic durability, social acceptance, traceability, and the upcycling of low-grade wood. The review under consideration places significant emphasis on the importance of integrating technical, cultural, and perceptual dimensions when evaluating timber architecture. The article proposes an interpretive framework combining design thinking and transdisciplinary insights. This framework aims to bridge disciplinary gaps and provide a coherent structure for understanding the complexity of timber-related challenges. The framework under discussion here encourages a broader understanding of wood as not only a sustainable building material but also a vehicle for systemic transformation in architectural culture and practice. The study’s insights may support designers, educators, and policymakers in identifying strategic priorities for the development of future-proof timber-based design practices. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b9d560dec4154783a67dadf21de33b66 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2075-5309 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Buildings |
| spelling | doaj-art-b9d560dec4154783a67dadf21de33b662025-08-20T03:35:58ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-08-011515277410.3390/buildings15152774Timber Architecture for Sustainable Futures: A Critical Review of Design and Research Challenges in the Era of Environmental and Social TransitionAgnieszka Starzyk0Nuno D. Cortiços1Carlos C. Duarte2Przemysław Łacek3Department of Architecture, Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-776 Warsaw, PolandCentro de Investigação em Arquitetura, Urbanismo e Design (CIAUD), Research Centre for Architecture, Urbanism and Design, Lisbon School of Architecture, Universidade de Lisboa, Rua Sá Nogueira, Polo Universitário do Alto da Ajuda, 1349-063 Lisboa, PortugalCentro de Investigação em Arquitetura, Urbanismo e Design (CIAUD), Research Centre for Architecture, Urbanism and Design, Lisbon School of Architecture, Universidade de Lisboa, Rua Sá Nogueira, Polo Universitário do Alto da Ajuda, 1349-063 Lisboa, PortugalDepartment of Architecture, Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-776 Warsaw, PolandThis article provides a critical review of the current design and research challenges in contemporary timber architecture. Conducted from the perspective of a designer-researcher, the review focuses on the role of wood as a material at the intersection of environmental performance, cultural meaning, and spatial practice. The study adopts a conceptual, problem-oriented approach, eschewing the conventional systematic aggregation of existing data. The objective of this study is to identify, interpret and categorise the key issues that are shaping the evolving discourse on timber architecture. The analysis is based on peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and 2025, sourced from the Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection databases. Fifteen thematic challenges have been identified and classified according to their recognition level in academic and design contexts. The subjects under discussion include well-established topics, such as life cycle assessment and carbon storage, as well as less commonly explored areas, such as symbolic durability, social acceptance, traceability, and the upcycling of low-grade wood. The review under consideration places significant emphasis on the importance of integrating technical, cultural, and perceptual dimensions when evaluating timber architecture. The article proposes an interpretive framework combining design thinking and transdisciplinary insights. This framework aims to bridge disciplinary gaps and provide a coherent structure for understanding the complexity of timber-related challenges. The framework under discussion here encourages a broader understanding of wood as not only a sustainable building material but also a vehicle for systemic transformation in architectural culture and practice. The study’s insights may support designers, educators, and policymakers in identifying strategic priorities for the development of future-proof timber-based design practices.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/15/2774timber architecturesustainable designarchitectural perceptioncultural durabilitycircular constructionhybrid structures |
| spellingShingle | Agnieszka Starzyk Nuno D. Cortiços Carlos C. Duarte Przemysław Łacek Timber Architecture for Sustainable Futures: A Critical Review of Design and Research Challenges in the Era of Environmental and Social Transition Buildings timber architecture sustainable design architectural perception cultural durability circular construction hybrid structures |
| title | Timber Architecture for Sustainable Futures: A Critical Review of Design and Research Challenges in the Era of Environmental and Social Transition |
| title_full | Timber Architecture for Sustainable Futures: A Critical Review of Design and Research Challenges in the Era of Environmental and Social Transition |
| title_fullStr | Timber Architecture for Sustainable Futures: A Critical Review of Design and Research Challenges in the Era of Environmental and Social Transition |
| title_full_unstemmed | Timber Architecture for Sustainable Futures: A Critical Review of Design and Research Challenges in the Era of Environmental and Social Transition |
| title_short | Timber Architecture for Sustainable Futures: A Critical Review of Design and Research Challenges in the Era of Environmental and Social Transition |
| title_sort | timber architecture for sustainable futures a critical review of design and research challenges in the era of environmental and social transition |
| topic | timber architecture sustainable design architectural perception cultural durability circular construction hybrid structures |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/15/2774 |
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