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Architects want to build an 80-story skyscraper in Chicago made entirely from wood - take a look

Architects want to build an 80-story skyscraper in Chicago made entirely from wood - take a look

"By 2050, it is projected that the number of people living in urban areas will double," Jacobs said. "To meet the demand for more building stock, architects and builders should consider using wood, because it is a renewable resource that can perform at skyscraper scale."

Architects want to build an 80-story skyscraper in Chicago made entirely from wood - take a look

The River Beech Tower designers say that it could represent the future of sustainable architecture.

The River Beech Tower designers say that it could represent the future of sustainable architecture.

It features a timber interior designed by Acton Astry Architects, and can house 404 students.

It features a timber interior designed by Acton Astry Architects, and can house 404 students.

Brock Commons, an 18-story student dorm at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, is currently the tallest wooden building in existence.

Brock Commons, an 18-story student dorm at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, is currently the tallest wooden building in existence.

Source: Wired

While the River Beech Tower may never be built, the designers aim to explore how a super-tall, wooden skyscraper might be developed in the future.

While the River Beech Tower may never be built, the designers aim to explore how a super-tall, wooden skyscraper might be developed in the future.

On the outset, a wooden skyscraper sounds like it would be a dangerous place during a fire. But Jacobs said that generally, mass timber burns very slowly.

On the outset, a wooden skyscraper sounds like it would be a dangerous place during a fire. But Jacobs said that generally, mass timber burns very slowly.

The material has a thick layer of wood that is "designed to withstand structural loads even after other layers have burned off," he added.

... and serve as an office building.

... and serve as an office building.

The 80-story skyscraper, made entirely from wood, would feature an intricate facade ...

The 80-story skyscraper, made entirely from wood, would feature an intricate facade ...

The River Beech Tower would be located along the Chicago River, according to Andy Tsay Jacobs, director of the Building Technology Lab at Perkins + Will.

The River Beech Tower would be located along the Chicago River, according to Andy Tsay Jacobs, director of the Building Technology Lab at Perkins + Will.

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