Michael Green: Why we should build wooden skyscrapers

The speaker discusses the significance of wood in architecture, emphasizing its unique qualities and potential as a sustainable building material. He highlights the challenges of urbanization and the environmental impact of traditional materials like steel and concrete. The introduction of mass timber panels offers a promising solution for constructing taller wood buildings. The speaker addresses concerns about fire safety and deforestation, advocating for sustainable forestry practices. He envisions a future where wood plays a crucial role in urban development, potentially revolutionizing the construction industry.

What unique quality of wood does the speaker highlight that connects people to nature?

• Its resistance to water

• Its ability to be painted

• Its uniform texture

• Its unique patterns like fingerprints

What percentage of the world's population is expected to live in cities in the future?

• 50%

• 75%

• 90%

• 60%

What is the main environmental concern associated with steel and concrete?

• High cost

• Limited availability

• High energy and greenhouse gas emissions

• Poor durability

How does wood contribute to carbon storage?

• By releasing carbon dioxide

• By storing carbon dioxide

• By converting carbon dioxide to oxygen

• By preventing carbon dioxide absorption

What is the equivalent of the carbon difference when building a 20-story building with wood instead of concrete?

• 1000 cars removed from the road

• 700 cars removed from the road

• 500 cars removed from the road

• 900 cars removed from the road

What are mass timber panels compared to in the speaker's analogy?

• Concrete blocks

• Large Lego bricks

• Metal beams

• Small Lego bricks

What is the speaker's response to concerns about fire safety in wooden buildings?

• Wood cannot be used in high-rise buildings

• Wood burns unpredictably

• Mass timber panels burn slowly and predictably

• Wood is fireproof

What is the speaker's vision for the future of wood in skyscraper construction?

• To create an Eiffel Tower moment with tall wood buildings

• To replace all steel buildings

• To limit wood use to furniture

• To build only small structures

What is the speaker's proposed solution to deforestation concerns?

• Cutting down all trees

• Using only old trees

• Sustainable forestry and fast growth cycles

• Avoiding wood altogether

What historical event does the speaker compare the potential of wood skyscrapers to?

• The invention of the wheel

• The discovery of electricity

• The building of the Eiffel Tower

• The construction of the first bridge