ABSTRACT
Designers need to conceive and document basic structural framing strategies in a conversant and collaborative design environment, which is often aided by three-dimensional representations of the framing. Materials are the primary indicator of a structure’s behavior, so establishing the materiality early on into design is essential. Wood is the only primary building material that comes from a renewable resource and that naturally cleans the air in its natural state. Structurally, wood has a very good specific-strength, which means that it’s lightweight and strong. Timber’s use is limited in some applications either because wood isn’t as strong or stiff and/or because of code restrictions. Timber’s superior ecological environmental profile, its availability through locally-sourced manufacturers in Oregon, robustness and warmth, and pervasive use in the objects displayed within the building, all make it an obvious choice. Timber columns can be singular massive elements or they can be built up as a combination of other smaller pieces.
