Potential of Wooden Structures in Architecture Today
Anssi Lassila is giving a lecture on the Potential of Wooden Structures in Architecture Today in the Timber Architecture Now seminar at Aalto University on May 5, 2025.
Timber Architecture Now
The seminar focuses on contemporary developments in timber architecture. Both public buildings and residential construction will be highlighted in the discussion. Along with Anssi Lassila, the invited speakers include Jeremy Smith of Irving Smith Architects from New Zealand and Selina Anttinen of AOA Architects.
The seminar has been supported by the Finnish Forest Foundation, Professional Education Foundation for Forest Workers, and Residential Construction Development Foundation.
The lectures will be held in English.
- For more information about the seminar, see HERE.
Potential of Wooden Structures in Architecture Today
In his lecture, Anssi Lassila will discuss the potential of wooden structures in architecture today. He will draw from his personal experience in building with wood. To provide examples, he will cover a range of projects with different types of wooden structures and materials.
- Potential of Wooden Structures in Architecture Today
- Lecture by Anssi Lassila
- May 5, 2025
- 13:00 – 16:00 (UTC +3)
- Aalto-sali, Aalto-yliopisto
- Otakaari 1, 02150 Espoo
In light of his work, he will address the potential of the traditional log structure in contemporary architecture and the reuse of timber for new uses. He will also reflect on the advantages of a modular system and the benefits of prefabrication in wooden construction. Structural possibilities of large timber elements will be illustrated both in terms of public buildings of a large scale as well as in terms of the flexibility in the arrangement of the floor plan that they allow for. Throughout the lecture, the innate qualities of the natural properties of wood in creating sustainable buildings will be highlighted.
From the Traditional Log Structure to Large Timber Elements
The potential of different types of wooden structures in architecture today will be illustrated by reflections on various projects by Anssi Lassila. Kärsämäki Shingle Church makes use of the traditional methods of working with wood in creating a contemporary building with a strong sculptural expression. Sauna Tonttu explores the potential for transforming an old wooden granary into a new sauna. Temple of Bathing gives an example of a wooden structure of a small scale. Lonna Sauna uses hand carved logs to build a public sauna with excellent qualities for the authentic sauna experience.
Puukuokka Housing Block is a pilot case for the application of a system of volumetric modular units to create an apartment building with a timber frame and structure. Lastu education building shows how large timber elements can be applied to create a unique building with a flexible room program for a contemporary learning environment. The restoration and renovation of the Rauhalinna Castle complemented with a new guesthouse, Käenpoika, is an example of bringing old and new ways of building with wood into a dialogue.
For more information on the featured projects, see the project descriptions on the homepage: