For the first time, a forum dedicated to wooden architecture is being held in Lithuania

The FORUM WOOD BUILDING Baltic 2023 is a FORUM HOLZBAU conference organized for the fourth time in the Baltic Sea region and for the first time in Lithuania/Vilnius. March 30-31 Vilnius Gediminas University of Technology (VILNIUS TECH) is hosting the event “Forum wood building Baltic” organized by the Faculty of Architecture (AF), whose partner, presenting Nordic solutions and experiences, is the Office of the Nordic Council of Ministers in Lithuania.

A forum dedicated to wooden architecture, the main purpose of which is to bring together architecture, engineering specialists, scientists, business, production, and development companies for a common discussion. Recent advances in computer-controlled manufacturing and stronger and larger engineered wood products mean that timber construction can now achieve shorter program times often at lower overall cost, while providing safer, cleaner, and quieter environment on site. It is also our only renewable construction material, and it locks away carbon dioxide for the life of the building.

FORUM HOLZBAU was established as a platform of leading universities for knowledge and technology transfer in timber construction and achieves the goal through its pan-European program of conferences and exhibitions. They support and coordinate science, research, and education in the field of sustainable construction and in pushing forward the boundaries of modern Wood Building. The Forum will be an opportunity for practitioners and scientists to meet and exchange experience and to learn from the best within the field. Nordic countries with deep traditions of wooden architecture will be represented at the forum by a group of architects and scientists from Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Keynotes will be delivered by:

• Pekka Heikkinen, Aalto University (Finland): Experiments and Experiences in Wood
• Jouni Hakkarainen, Eurofins Expert Services Oy (Finland): European Standards and Regulations for Fire Safety – Theory and practice
• Emre Ilgin, University of Tampere (Finland): Dovetailed Massive Wood Board Elements for Multi-Story Buildings
• Robert Schmitz, White Arkitekter (Sweden): Sara Kulturhus Center (World Architecture Festival 2022 award)
• Erlend Hofstad, Vestland County Council (Norway): Preserving the Wooden City of Bergen – UNESCO World Heritage site
• Teemu Kurkela, JKMM Architects (Finland): Infrastructure for Happiness
• Jakob Brandtberg Knudsen, Royal Danish Academy: Improving Rural Housing in Asia and Africa
• Jaakko Parkkonen, Helin & Co Architects (Finland): WOOD – diversity and simplicity