The latest innovations and solutions for wood design and building will be presented next week (November 16-20) at the national 2020 Virtual Wood Solutions Conference.
The conference, hosted by the Canadian Wood Council and its Wood WORKS! Program, typically held annually in the Wood WORKS! regions, will be presented nationally and virtually this year.
Along with a lineup of 16 distinguished Canadian and international speakers, there will be an exhibit hall with industry leaders, design innovators and product experts on hand virtually to answer questions and provide wood design and building ideas and solutions. Attendees can obtain up to 14 continuing education credits.
“A virtual and national conference enables the Wood WORKS! programs across the country to provide Canadian designers and builders with an expanded and enriched educational opportunity to increase their wood knowledge and proficiency,” explains Etienne Lalonde, VP, market development & Wood WORKS! national director. “Featuring topics, projects, speakers and exhibitors at the forefront of innovation in wood design and building, this conference will inform and inspire, and will ultimately advance wood use along with imperative climate-friendly building solutions for the future.”
The week will feature three workshop days, hosted by three provincial Wood WORKS! programs – Alberta (4 speakers – Monday, November 16), BC (6 speakers – Wednesday, November 18) and Ontario (4 speakers – Friday, November 20), showcasing more regional-specific innovative advancements and applications for wood products and building systems in design and construction.
Attendees will learn about both architectural and structural applications with wood through technical sessions based on inspiring and innovative projects in Canada and beyond. Some of the presentations include: Mass Timber Structural Design and Performance-based Fire Engineering; Unique Timber Systems and Connections; and T3 Bayside: The Design Challenges of a Mass Timber Office Building.
The 2020 Virtual Wood Solutions Conference will feature two keynote speakers, including Michael Green, principal – MGA|Michael Green Architecture, with his presentation on Tuesday, November 17: How Timber will Define the Skylines of our Future Climate.
Architect Leon Rost, a partner with the renowned international firm, BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, will be the keynote speaker on Thursday, November 19 with his presentation, From Product to Planet: Mass Integrated Timber.
