OTTAWA – 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. Distinguished Canadian and international speakers, together with wood product experts at a virtual exhibit hall, will inform and inspire Canadian architects, engineers and other building professionals through the week.

The conference, hosted by the Canadian Wood Council and its Wood WORKS! program with support from Natural Resources Canada and industry sponsors, is typically held annually in the Wood WORKS! regions, and 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.” Wood products and building systems provide many advantages, including reduced carbon impacts, accelerated speed of construction, and enhanced building performance. He adds, “As the demand for wood continues to surge as a result of expanding market acceptance, the Canadian Wood Council is growing and developing programs that support the need for education, training, and knowledge transfer for building and design professionals.”

This week of learning includes 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. Mr. Green is an award-winning architect known globally for his research, leadership, and advocacy in promoting innovation in the built environment and creating meaningful, sustainable and beautiful architecture.

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. Mr. Rost is leading the design of Google’s visionary masterplan and headquarter buildings as well as Woven City, Toyota’s prototype city of the future, and will discuss innovative wood use for these exciting projects.

The conference is a key learning opportunity for building and design professionals to advance innovation and ingenuity with wood, and we thank our funders and sponsors for helping to make it possible.” concludes Mr. Lalonde.

Full program and registration: woodsolutionsconference.ca | #WSC2020

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Wood WORKS! is a national industry-led program of the Canadian Wood Council, with a goal to support innovation and provide leadership on the use of wood products and building systems. Through workshops, seminars, conferences and case studies, Wood WORKS! provides education, training and technical expertise to building and design professionals involved with commercial, institutional and industrial construction projects through five Canadian programs.

Media contact:

Natalie Tarini
Director – Communications, Events, and Member Services/
Directrice – Communications, événements, et services aux membres
Canadian Wood Council/Conseil canadien du bois | Tel/Tél : 613.747.5544 ext/poste : 225