A tradição da madeira na actualidade - noruega e Portugal

Abstract

Wood is a material used for several purposes in the construction field since ancient times. Man has memories and feelings associated with it. Wood also carries History and Technique. In the 20th century new constructive possibilities and new materials arose, and quite often the old materials were forgotten. Nowadays we see a society that more and more seems to be attentive and concerned for the Environment, at the same time an interest for the Past is triggering in an attempt to contextualize a Present increasingly fleeting and transitory. History arises as motif that characterizes and a reference for a specific architectonic context. The scientific study allows a new vision and understanding on the materials. It also helps the development of new techniques and technologies that give the old materials new forms and possible applications. Mainly in the last two decades some attention has turned to wood, as a construction material. On one hand there is the technology associated that improved to such degree that it allows the use of this material in scales that weren't possible a few years ago. On the other hand there's an ever growing attention to the Environment and the consequences that our actions and decisions have on it. The Nordic countries have a strong tradition in the use of wood. Its constructive History is rich in examples that use wood in the most various forms, in various functions. Nowadays we are witnessing a renewed interest for this material in these countries, in which wood is associated with the most contemporary and advanced architectonic forms. Norway happens to be an interesting case-study. Here the association of the new technical possilities and the growing attention for the History and Tradition seem to express the will to give sense and identity to the architecture. Wood is seen as a reference material due to its historical and local importance. The aim is to develop a language that can combine form and meaning with an innovative and creative approach, adapted to the natural and physical conditions of the place. Attaining, this way, rooted and aesthetically surprising solutions. The Portuguese wooden architecture has lately disclosed a growing attention and dynamic. Although historically, in Portugal, timber construction does not appear as strong as in Norway, it has recently seen interesting examples come to light. These are often informed by History and it pays attention to the context in which it is built, also the closeness with a natural context seem to motivate the construction with this material. Portugal and Norway are two distinct realities when it comes to geographical, physical, social and economical conditions involving wood construction. However there are some analogies in the principles and worries that shape today's architecture in these countries. With this study I aim to understand the points that divide and bring them together, but also to get to know better their architectural panorama on timber construction, for there are universal and transversal architectural aspects that go beyond geographical and cultural aspects.