Structures and architecture integration in a best use of wood design competition studio

There has been a re-emergence of timber and manufactured wood structural products in recent years including high visibility long-span structures and the rise of tall wood buildings. The evolution of new technologies and design of wood buildings (FII timeline, 2018) is evidenced in our region. Recognizing this trend, a sponsored Student Wood Design Competition was developed to explore creative and innovative use of Idaho wood in architectural design. This paper summarizes regional examples, presents a pedagogical approach to the competition design studio that includes the role of competition sponsors, strategies for design studio success, and lessons learned through this competition-based design studio.