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Research article2010Peer reviewedOpen access

The Influence of Architects and Structural Engineers on Timber in Construction - Perceptions and Roles

Roos, Anders; Woxblom, Ann-Charlotte; Mccluskey, Denise

Abstract

This study considers structural engineers' and architects' perceptions of structural timber in multi-story construction contexts. Qualitative approaches-interviews and focus groups-were used to investigate attitudes, perceived norms, and perceived factors that hamper or facilitate the prescription of wood use in construction. Wood was perceived as an appropriate building material. Architects', and even more so engineers', perceptions of negative aspects of wood focused on decay, instability and sound transmission. Although wood-based construction was seen as a required professional skill, it was not expected to improve one's professional status. Positive aspects of wood in construction included its strength, environmental friendliness, simple handling and appropriateness for use in conjunction with industrial methods, whereas knowledge gaps and weak support from the wood industry have reduced the use of wood among structural engineers and architects. Both professions perceived their influence on material selection to be weak. They sensed that most of the influence over material selection rested with developers and contractors. The paper contains suggestions on how to make these two professions more influential advocates for wood in construction.

Keywords

timber-frame building; qualitative analysis; specifiers; stakeholders; timber design

Published in

Silva Fennica
2010, Volume: 44, number: 5, pages: 871-884
Publisher: FINNISH SOC FOREST SCIENCEFINNISH FOREST RESEARCH

      SLU Authors

    • Roos, Anders

      • Department of Forest Products, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

      • Woxblom, Ann Charlotte

        • Department of Forest Products, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

        • Mccluskey, Denise

          • Department of Forest Products, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

        UKÄ Subject classification

        Social Sciences
        Forest Science
        Economics and Business

        Publication identifier

        DOI: https://doi.org/10.14214/sf.126

        Permanent link to this page (URI)

        https://res.slu.se/id/publ/47750