The project in context; sited at the intersection of Harrison and Wells St. just south of Willis Tower and across the river from the historic post office building.
Looking South, Chicago, IL
The high-rise is tired. The birth of the skyscraper fueled rapid technological innovation, tempered by an establishment of standards and a surplus of cheap resources. This complacency has fostered a half century of incremental changes, optimizing existing structural systems in service of achieving greater heights. Concurrently, mounting data renders an irrefutable understanding of the detrimental impact our urban developments have on the natural environment. Sited in Chicago’s South Loop, Big Wood builds on Michael Green’s research as a prototype in mass timber construction, showcasing a new structural system for carbon neutral development.
Recent studies have proven the success of 20-30 story mass timber structures with the potential to go higher using hybridized systems. The studies have also shown mass timber structures to drastically reduce carbon emissions without sacrificing economy or life-safety standards. The program includes a mixed-use university complex consisting of a library/media hub, three housing types, retail, sports complex, parking, park and community garden.
As the birthplace of the skyscraper, Chicago is an optimal location for a prototype in mass timber construction. Similar to the rapid innovation in building technology that occurred in the early 1900s, “Big Wood” is positioned to be a catalyst for a new renaissance in high-rise construction, forever changing the shape of our cities.
Recent studies have proven the success of 20-30 story mass timber structures with the potential to go higher using hybridized systems. The studies have also shown mass timber structures to drastically reduce carbon emissions without sacrificing economy or life-safety standards. The program includes a mixed-use university complex consisting of a library/media hub, three housing types, retail, sports complex, parking, park and community garden.
As the birthplace of the skyscraper, Chicago is an optimal location for a prototype in mass timber construction. Similar to the rapid innovation in building technology that occurred in the early 1900s, “Big Wood” is positioned to be a catalyst for a new renaissance in high-rise construction, forever changing the shape of our cities.
Mass timber construction sequesters large amounts of carbon, transforming the project site into a carbon sink.
Program Components
Longitudinal North-South section
As our buildings continue to reach skyward, carbon footprints concurrently grow. Big Wood suggests re-thinking this paradox.
Big Wood under construction - all components are engineered timber, including the core.
View from the south, the community garden slopes downward to capture sunlight and engage the plaza.
