WIA_ISSUE2_2023
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SUSTAINABILITY<br />
These effects have been the basis<br />
for the practice of shinrin-yoku, or<br />
forest bathing, a concept the Japan<br />
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and<br />
Fisheries introduced in 1982. The<br />
idea is simple: intentionally spend<br />
time in forests to soak up positive<br />
effects. Researchers have begun<br />
to quantify the benefits of forest<br />
bathing to inform evidence-based<br />
medicine as being in a forest setting<br />
can lower stress hormones, slow<br />
heart rate, decrease blood pressure,<br />
and improve our overall mental<br />
wellbeing.* These health benefits<br />
add to the reasons to protect natural<br />
environments and continue to build<br />
sustainable ways for the future.<br />
PEFC added that wood, when<br />
responsibly sourced, is an<br />
extraordinary building material. It<br />
is quick to work with, beautifies any<br />
project, and does not require as<br />
much energy to produce as concrete,<br />
steel, cement, or glass. It is good<br />
for the environment and for people.<br />
Due to its ability to regulate heat<br />
and humidity, wooden buildings<br />
often need less artificial temperature<br />
control, making them comfortable<br />
places to be while also being kind to<br />
the planet.*<br />
Earlier this year, Gaia, a zero-energy<br />
mass timber building spanning 220m,<br />
was unveiled at Nanyang Technological<br />
University (NTU), Singapore with<br />
the goal of bringing people closer to<br />
nature. This PEFC-certified project<br />
was said to be the largest mass timber<br />
3<br />
building in Asia, which was the<br />
result of a partnership between RSP<br />
Architects and Toyo Ito. Its design<br />
used a modular timber frame system<br />
which meant that most components<br />
can be made off-site, speeding up the<br />
construction process and reducing<br />
the number of workers needed. Gaia<br />
is the eighth NTU campus project to<br />
be honoured with the Green Mark<br />
Platinum for zero energy. In a year,<br />
it emits about 2,500 fewer tonnes<br />
1 The brainchild of<br />
architect Thomas<br />
Rau is Triodos<br />
Bank new office in<br />
the Netherlands<br />
2 The buildings<br />
of the Triodos<br />
Bank new office<br />
are designed<br />
to fit in, rather<br />
than stand out,<br />
from the natural<br />
surroundings<br />
3 Gaia is a<br />
zero-energy mass<br />
timber building<br />
spanning 220m<br />
unveiled at NTU,<br />
Singapore<br />
4 PEFC-certified<br />
CLT and glulam<br />
were used for<br />
the beams and<br />
columns of Gaia<br />
5 Glazed skylights<br />
add a touch of<br />
nature indoors<br />
4 5<br />
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 – <strong>2023</strong> 31
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