BUA 2024 - Sustainable production of timber by Mr. Olav Anders Bjerve

Studying Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art. Department of Architecture 1970-1973. Diploma thesis on urban renewal in Bakklandet with the main emphasis on reconstruction after a fire in Nedre Bakklandet in traditional architecture in 1975. From 1975 an onwards he has devoted most of hos practice to traditional architecture. He has also worked in the oil industry with computer design of the worlds largest residential installation at sea on an exofish oil field for conoco. Bjerve has been chairman of Vålerenga Vel in the 1980's and working with the conservation plan and reconstruction of the wooden housing development at Vålerenga. He has been interviewed by NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation) in connection with a film about the wooden city in Oslo. Bjerve is a member of INTBAU NORWAY.
The peculiar Dragon-Style wood architecture (1880-1910) in Christiania - case Hasselbakken
The dragon style was an attempt to revive the old Nordic animal ornamentation, often mixed with Romanesque vines. The style arose out of the romantic enthusiasm for the past that arose in Norway in the second half of the 19th century as well as a desire for an independent Norwegian culture after 400 years under Danish rule and a celebration of liberation from Danish rule! In the middle of Oslo there was a majestic restaurant - called Hasselbakken, in this peculiar and rare style. The building burned down in 1936, and now after over 80 years - we want to rebuild it!
A short history of the timber industry, traditional woodcraft and sustainable forestry
Forestry has provided the foundations for human life and materials for thousands of years. Some of the most beautiful pieces of architecture are made of wood. The forests produce oxygen and store carbon dioxide, and are thus an important piece in the puzzle to solve the climate challenges. In the recent decade there has been considerable focus in the Nordic countries on designing modernist large-scale buildings, even skyscrapers in wood. But is it really sustainable? Modern forestry is performed with extensive use of machines and the timber is mostly transported with large trucks. How can we assure that timber is used in a sustainable way in our built environment but also ensure that the extraction of timber from the wood is done with minimal carbon emission? A way to solve this could be to have a short look into our near past - in order to look at the history of timber extraction.
Video credits: Dag W. Grundseth. Pixmedia
Subtitles : Matteis Houtsma