The Human Response to Wood in the Built Environment

The Human Response to Wood

Measures of performance for building occupants

Earn 1 AIA/CES HSW learning unit and 1 GBCI hour for LEED Credential Maintenance

CEU Publish Date: June 2013

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Best Practices

reThink Wood®, American Wood Council, and US WoodWorks sponsor this Continuing Education Unit provided by McGraw-Hill Publishers. This course is registered with AIA CES and GBCI for continuing professional education.

As such, it does not contain content that may be deeded or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA or GBCI of any material or method of construction, or any manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

Credit earned on completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of completion are available for self-reporting and record-keeping needs.

Questions related to the information presented should be directed to reThink Wood® upon completing this program.

AIA Provider Number: K029 GBCI Provider: McGraw-Hill PublishersAIA Course Number: K1306D GBCI Course Number: 0090009829AIA Credit: 1 HSW/SD Hour GBCI Credit: 1 GBCI CMP Hour

Copyright Materials

This presentation is protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, display and use of the presentation without written permission from reThink Wood® is prohibited.

© 2013, reThink Wood®, www.rethinkwood.com

Learning Objectives

Define the relationship between a building’s sustainability and the health and performance of the building’s occupants. 

Explore how wood was used to enhance the experience of building occupants in projects from around the country. 

Recognize how wood used as a structural and finish material contributes to key elements of occupant environment including indoor air quality, acoustic performance, and physical health. 

Examine evidence confirming the positive human response to wood for its aesthetic qualities and connection to nature. 

Table of Contents

Section 1

Indoor Air Quality

Section 2

Sound of Wood

Section 3

Health in Nature

Section 4

Humans Love Wood

Section 5

Building for Humans

INDOOR AIR QUALITYSECTION 1

David & Lucile Packard Foundation HeadquartersLos Altos, California

Photo by Jeremy Bittermann, courtesy of EHDD

Another Aspect of Sustainability

“It’s about designing places where people want to be.”

– Marc L’Italien

EHDD

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Wood is considered hypoallergenic Easy to clean Prevents buildup of particles Moderates humidity

Credit Valley HospitalMississauga, Ontario

Photo courtesy of naturallywood.com

SOUND OF WOODSECTION 2

Chan Centre for Performing ArtsVancouver, British Columbia

Wood is an ideal material for musical instruments and other acoustic applications, including architectural ones.

Photo courtesy of Chan Centre for Performing Arts

University of Washington – Student HousingLocation: Seattle, WashingtonArchitects: Mahlum Architects

Acoustics are important for student housing where people within a relatively small space have different needs.

Photos Benjamin Benschneider, Mahlum Architects

Acoustics and Sustainability

Bechtel Conference Centerat the Public Policy Institute of California

San Francisco, California

Sculptural wall fins fabricated from wood elements create an undulating 3D form while dispersing sound waves to enhance acoustic performance.

Photo by Billy Hustace; illustration by Justin Tang;both courtesy of Marcy Wong Donn Logan Architects, Inc.

Pearson Theatre at Meyer Sound LaboratoriesBerkeley, California

The seating riser central to the Pearson Theater at Meyer Sound Laboratories rests on a 1-inch subfloor of 12-ply birch. The design of the riser and floor are among many acoustic innovations. 

Photo by Sharon Risedorph, courtesy of Marcy Wong Donn Logan Architects, Inc.

HEALTH IN NATURESECTION 3

Physiological Benefits

Research is confirming that interiors with natural materials and views can lower stress and promote relaxation.

Greater Texas FoundationBryan, Texas

Photo by Casey Dunn, courtesy of Dunnam Tita Architecture + Interiors

Exposure to Nature

Lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and aggression

Increases ability to: Focus attention Perform concentration Perform creative tasks

Credit Valley HospitalMississauga, Ontario

An increasing number of healthcare facilities are making use of exposed wood to create a warm, natural aesthetic that supports their healing objectives.

Photo courtesy of naturallywood.com

Photo by Jeremy Bittermann, courtesy of EHDD

Positive Effects of Natural Materials

Studies have shown that the presence of visual wood surfaces in a room lowers stress – one way to create a healthier built environment.

HUMANS LOVE WOODSECTION 4

Enhances Learning

Exposed wood enhances learning by providing an inviting and enriching environment

James Park Elementary SchoolPort Coquitlam, British Columbia

Photo courtesy of Grant + Sinclair Architects

Trillium Creek Primary SchoolWest Linn, Oregon

View of the “forest” in the center of the library which connects students to the natural Douglas-fir forest environment around them.

Photo by Parallel Photography, courtesy of Dull Olson Weekes-IBI Group Architects Inc.

Integrating Natural Environment

Carby Chapel CenterHouston, Texas

Different species of wood were used as structural and interior elements including the custom designed cross, altar, lectern, baptismal font, and double entry doors made of cedar milled from trees grown on the site.

Photos by Michael Ortega Architectural Photography, courtesy of Roesler Associates, Inc./Architects

David & Lucile Packard Foundation HeadquartersLos Altos, California

Occupants are in constant contact with nature, indoors and out. Wood is the main exterior cladding material of the LEED Platinum building and features prominently in the interiors with extensive views of the outdoor courtyard.

Photo by Jeremy Bittermann, courtesy of EHDD

Ideology

BUILDING FOR HUMANSSECTION 5

Rocky Mountain Bank HeadquartersJackson, Wyoming

The exposed wood structural elements are designed to create an atmosphere of warmth, richness, and connection to the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Bank employees describe “an amazing place to work,” and the building is often photographed by locals and tourists alike.

Luxurious Atmosphere

Photo courtesy of Mack Mendenhall and Garett Chadwick, Plan One/Architects

Reclaimed Wood

Greater Texas Foundation BuildingBryan, Texas

Reclaimed wood helped meet high sustainability goals. Photo by Casey Dunn, courtesy of Dunnam Tita Architecture + Interiors

The Freight & Salvage CoffeehouseBerkeley, California

The design exemplifies the use of wood where acoustics, reclaiming history, and expressing ideals all come together.

Photo by Sharon Risedorph Photography, courtesy of Marcy Wong Donn Logan Architects, Inc.

Photo by David Lena;courtesy of HMC Architects

For more information on building with wood, visit rethinkwood.com

THANK YOU!