Course Overview
The purpose of this course is to introduce traditional wood design and contemporary applications in large-scale, non-traditional buildings. Students will examine new engineered wood products, manufacturing technologies, and changes to building codes / other legislation to assess new possibilities for wood design and construction. This course will: i) provide an introduction to the attributes of wood as a building material; ii) give an overview of emerging technologies in frame, mass timber and composite construction in British Columbia; iii) explain how building industry use of wood fits within the broader context of environmental, economic and social sustainability; and iv) discuss the physical and psychological benefits of wood in architectural applications.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the basic properties of wood (including structural characteristics, durability, and connectors). Explore the properties that influence the use of wood in construction.
- Evaluate the environmental attributes of wood and the relationship between sustainable forest management, wood building, and climate change mitigation.
- Interpret the changing practices and opportunities for new applications for wood.
- Compare and evaluate current approaches and materials being used to build larger and taller structures.
- Evaluate and compare the aspects of project delivery for large wood buildings that impact building performance (including material selection, manufacturing, and construction management)
- Assess the value of wood according to commonly used green building rating systems.
- Compare and contrast the principles of ‘constructive environmentalism’ applied to buildings of different types and sizes to maximize wood use.
- Assess and explain the social, economic, and environmental value of wood as a building material locally and internationally.
- Access the connection between historical and contemporary methods of building in wood.
Effective as of Winter 2026
Related Programs
Wood Design (ARSC 7050) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Construction and the Environment
- Architectural Science
Bachelor of Architectural Science Full-time
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.