In this episode of WoodChat, we return to the topic of our very first episode in 2018 and the concept of biophilia.
Recent research around timber-based biophilic design cues indicates them as a meaningful way to reduce stress, increase comfort and instil a sense of calm.
We focus on T3 Collingwood – an innovative hybrid office building in Melbourne’s inner north that uses mass timber extensively in its upper floors. T3 stands for ‘Timber, Transit, Technology’ and is a mass timber building concept from the property developer, Hines. Over 20 T3 buildings have been completed or are underway around the world. It also happens to be FWPA’s headquarters.
T3 Collingwood was the subject of research that tries to quantify the benefits of biophilic design. Those taking part in the study (including construction workers and building occupants) were observed for their subjective experiences, and for biological stress markers. The study has already been frequently cited in academic papers.
We speak to two members of the research team, Dorsa Fatourehchi and Dr Stephen Whyte, who bring their perspectives as architect and economist respectively. We ask about the current state of biophilia research, what they observed during the study, and how what they learned can influence biophilic design in the future.
For another view, we also speak to structural engineer Danny Watson, from project supplier Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH), and touch on some of the other benefits a hybrid building like this can provide – speed and efficiency of construction, reduced carbon footprint, and a way of construction that is ready to be used as a more generic standard for building construction of all types.
Our 2018 episode has been perennially popular (listen here) and as research continues beyond the original 1980s hypothesis from Edward O Wilson, we look forward to bringing you more scientific evidence to substantiate the benefits of biophilia further.
Featuring:
- Dorsa Fatourehchi (architect; Research Fellow at the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne)
- Dr Stephen Whyte (behavioural economist; Senior Research Fellow at the Faculty of Business & Law, School of Economics & Finance, Queensland University of Technology)
- Danny Watson (Structural Engineer, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods)
Links:
- T3 Collingwood website
- Understanding the effects of timber rich workplaces on occupants perceived productivity and health: a pilot study
- Exploring the Benefits of Mass Timber Construction in the Workplace: A Novel Primer for Research
- T3 Collingwood the pinnacle of mass timber architecture- Australian Sustainable Hardwoods case study
