ARCHI-STRADA 2025: The potential of wood in sustainable architecture and design.

The green revolution continues in earnest

It's no secret that in recent years consumers, as well as the manufacturers of architectural services and products who follow them, have been striving to create environmentally friendly spaces. Successive generations of investors are scrambling to find environmentally conscious business partners offering solutions that combine modern technology with natural and carbon-neutral building materials. Individual customers are also focusing on the aforementioned aspects because of the additional economic advantages of their purchase. Their attention is particularly attracted to ways to make economical use of natural resources in the construction and modernization of residential buildings, as well as to energy-efficient heating, lighting or plumbing systems that will ultimately provide them with lower bills. The so-called “green revolution” can be seen at every stage of the purchasing process, and that's why meetings with experts and innovators are needed to help entrepreneurs adapt smoothly to the green building market of the future.

Why wood in particular?

Wood, as a raw material, both indoors and outdoors, has been a well-known and valued building material for centuries. Despite the increasing number of alternatives, wood has stood the test of time and continues to enjoy great popularity in architecture and design. In recent years, we have been looking at it a little differently, seeing in it an ecological potential that can provide us with a kind of return to nature. The presence of wood - even marginal, as a design element - has a friendly effect on the organisms of space users. Thanks to its unique properties, it can be combined with other materials, and is conducive to the creation of modular structures. With proper treatment and maintenance, wood can serve for decades or even centuries, remaining an excellent humidity regulator and providing acoustic comfort.

However, the aforementioned qualities of wood are not necessarily a guarantee for sustainable construction, due to the process of project implementation, such as the transportation of the raw material, the tools, technologies and chemicals used. So is it worth betting on wood?

Photo: Design and Architecture Forum 2024

The D&A Forum is an opportunity to meet with a wide range of experts and practitioners for whom wood is an important material to work with. Together we will trace the ways in which wood has been used in architecture over the centuries - from traditional constructions to modern innovations in building design. The event is a space to reflect on the importance of wood as one of the most versatile and ecological materials in construction, as well as an opportunity to exchange knowledge between experts in the fields of architecture, design and engineering. An additional advantage is the opportunity to participate in debates and a q&a session, which will present a fair balance of the advantages and disadvantages of using this raw material.

Following the example of the previous edition, there will be no shortage of distinguished guests with extensive professional achievements: Asko Takala is a Finnish architect and partner at Helsinki-based Kirsti Sivén & Asko Takala Architects, which has focused on the use of wood since its inception. The firm's internationally renowned published projects include Ekoviikki Ecological Housing, Lilla Åleryd Housing, and a laboratory building for the Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare in Helsinki. Mateusz Mastalski is a Polish architect, associated with the world-renowned studio Henning Larsen. The office is distinguished by its customized innovation and widely known projects, including the Harpa Concert Hall edifice in Reykjavik.

During the event, attendees will be able to meet with renowned architects, as well as take part in networking among designers, investors and manufacturers (including Grupa5 Architects, APA Wojciechowski Architects, and GWPA Biuro Architektoniczne).

The search for innovation and out-of-the-box solutions for the use of wood in architecture is facilitated by the Architectural Sketches competition, which demonstrates the creative potential and workshop skills of architecture students at universities and high school students. The organizers and partners (the MTP Group, the Chamber of Architects of the Republic of Poland and the Association of Architects of the Republic of Poland, Poznań Branch) hope that this year's slogan - Wood in Architecture - will provide the broadest possible inspiration for the creation of unobvious, diverse and daring projects. Attractive cash prizes await the winners. Details available in the regulations at archi-strada.pl

We are supported by the best

The highest substantive level is ensured by honorary and substantive patrons: the Chamber of Architects of the Republic of Poland, the Association of Polish Architects - Poznań Branch,

In turn, our media partners are the national monthly magazine “Architektura & Biznes” and the Internet portal www.architekturaibiznes.pl, Architektura.info, the bookstore Bookarest, Biznes&Ekologia, Builder, the monthly “Forum Branżowe” and the website www.ForumBranzowe.com, MAGAZIF.com, Murator, Murator Plus, Murator Architektura, Mood for Wood, Living Room, Living Room Luksus, Decoration&Design, Sztuka-architektury.pl, the monthly TERAZ DOM Sempres - marketing agency, Zawód: Architekt.