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“There is no chance that modern science is going to catch up with the qualities of photosynthesis and therefore any materials that’s ultimately grown by the sun is the most technologically advanced materials we can use so let’s figure out how to use it in architecture.” -Michael Green
In 1980, the 27,000 square feet Rendezvous was constructed in the alpine zone to provide customers food and shelter during their excursions around Blackcomb Mountain. Thanks to the construction of Peak to Peak Gondola, it serves as a year round tourist attraction. As tourism increased renovations were required to mend wear and tear of the facility. Michael Green was commissioned to design the facility during its renovation. With a modest budget and a short time window for construction, Michael’s design serve to maximize space through centralized circulation to mitigate congestion and frustration during busy seasons, this was accomplished by aesthetically establishing clear functions for space inside the building. Adding to the timber frame transformed a central dinning hall and increased seating areas. Often renovating is a cost effective approach for a building experiencing degradation. I respect Michael Green, his designs justly reduce congestion, renew interior and exterior finishes that exhibit dysfunction, and facilitates time and materials by transforming the efficiency of a system.
The column to beam system is reinforced with a truss system, which creates structural stability. A truss system effectively transfers compressive loads to columns that are the main support for the frame. Through a mechanical connection, tension stress experienced in the beam in the lateral direction is transferred to the column where gravity takes over.
The client sought to expand the Ottawa Airport, so Michael as a Project Principal joined forces at his predecessor firm to find a design solution for expansion. Standing the test of time, material is history, and Michael Green designs using material to expand its purpose. For this project reclaimed heavy timber was introduced from a demolished WWII aircraft hangar. Since the reclaimed heavy timber was airport property, it was a cost effective solution for the client. Look around the natural environment and marvel at growing spears piercing the atmosphere exhaling what we need to live and sequestering what we exhale. Forests when managed and replenished for future generations are our saving grace. When resources are limited and demand is high, wood’s anisotropic behavior provides the tensile strength required for cost effective solutions during construction. For clients who accept bids based on cost effective solutions presented, Michael Green provides an additional service to clients by designing with materials that have social benefits. There are more reclaimed heavy timber columns than metal beams. This is an example of where metal connections brace a timber frame. Wood is not only an ornament in design but aids in structural stability. The columns bear compressive forces and are stabilized through horizontal bracing to prevent lateral deformations in the columns of the facade.
One advantage of digital fabrication tools is a structure could easily be disassembled and given a new role in another structure though more than likely it will take seconds to establish new parameters for a give element.
Architect of Record for Phase II was JL Richards.
To resolve problems of security and support cost effective technical solutions, three phases were commissioned to complete the projects objectives to improve overall security, which increases international flights.
One of my favorite topics is sustainability. Sustainability can range from sustainable business practices to environmental sustainability, which is micromanaged around the world in a array of practices.  Michael Green collaborates with communities to fabricate his designs in public and private sectors, he presents designs that reduce the net consumption of the world’s resources, consumption of energy, emissions of greenhouse gases, and solid waste generation for the building industry. Revitalizing existing spaces and structures must be sustainable, this was achieved in renovation and expansion of the Prince George Airport. Managed by experts in design sectors, engineering firms, and construction companies, each team is given an opportunity to uphold the contract. If a contract fails to establish clear terms of agreement by presenting inadequate information such as clients visions, it is in the clients’ best interest to renegotiate the terms of service so a job can be executed effectively and efficiently. Michael Green’s designs continue to inspire his clients in both public and private sectors, so he is commissioned again and again for projects.
The columns and beams are shaped using 5 axis CNC equipment. This wood structure uses discreet tight fitting pin connections, light reflects off the columns and beams creating a warm environment. The departure lounge design accommodates flyers with different preferences using interior wood designs such as panelized maple plywood, birch box seats, and maple benches. Douglas fir ceiling planks may likely be connected by tongue and groove connections to form a durable surface though I am not sure if it is necessary for interior and exterior soffits.
Now for the best part, awards! Design awards continue to showcase projects for their excellence. Providing incentives is a positive reinforcement to work together with what we have to make something better for a community to experience. After a three phase commission the project was awarded the Lieutenant‐Governor of BC Medal  in 2006
This could be old news to whoever is reading through our blog, but it remains a graceful reminder of how design may not seemingly impact your day to day life, but your designs when erected can influence future generations. Just as the Taj Mahal has influenced generations. Our built environment is the fabric of our lives and a legacy of our accomplishments.
As Michael Green says, “Big Problems = Big Opportunities = Big Solutions”
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This is a blog for the first collaborative course between Oregon State University’s Wood Science and Engineering and University of Oregon’s Architecture departments, lead by Profs. Mariapaola Riggio and Nancy Cheng. The course focuses on the three main factors of building tectonics: the material, the tools and the design. It explores how digital processes are opening up new technical and design possibilities. Students study timber structural systems, then design and detail a team project using digital workflows.
Categories Select Category Final Individual Portfolios  (20) Resources  (13)    Case Studies  (5)    Research reports  (8) Team Design Project  (12) Uncategorized  (172) Work-in-Progress  (21)    1 Digital Wood  (2)    2 Beams and Columns  (7)    3 Frames and Trusses  (3)    4 Arches and Domes  (6)    5 Grids, Shells and Gridshells  (6)
Categories Select Category Final Individual Portfolios  (20) Resources  (13)    Case Studies  (5)    Research reports  (8) Team Design Project  (12) Uncategorized  (172) Work-in-Progress  (21)    1 Digital Wood  (2)    2 Beams and Columns  (7)    3 Frames and Trusses  (3)    4 Arches and Domes  (6)    5 Grids, Shells and Gridshells  (6)