INTERVIEW | New requirements and technological advances are transforming how we build and collaborate within the timber and wood construction industry. In a time marked by transition and uncertainty, shared meeting places are essential for exchanging knowledge, perspectives and experience.
As timber construction evolves, a holistic perspective is becoming increasingly important. The focus is no longer solely on individual materials or technical solutions, but on how the entire value chain connects – from forestry and material production to completed buildings and the environments they become part of. For the members of Trästad, who operate at the intersection of public clients, industry and knowledge institutions, this interplay is crucial.
For development to succeed, dialogue, understanding and collaboration are required between stakeholders who rarely meet in their daily work.
– It is when you meet in person and actually talk to each other that you truly understand each other’s challenges. And only then can you begin to find common ways forward, says Jessica Becker, Architect SAR/MSA and Project Manager at Trästad.
Collaboration as a foundation for development
Jessica Becker has worked for many years to strengthen knowledge of timber construction and sustainable urban development, with a particular focus on public clients. The work is carried out in close collaboration with Trästad’s members, who together represent broad expertise in timber-based community building.
Trästad is an urban development association whose mission is to increase collaboration between public decision-makers and clients, private-sector entrepreneurs, and research and education institutions. For its members, the goal is to create concrete conditions for taking the next step in the transition – through knowledge, dialogue and joint initiatives.
For Trästad’s members, national meeting places where the entire value chain gathers are especially important. In contexts such as Trä & Teknik – Wood Products & Technology, where industry, technology suppliers, architects, construction companies and public clients meet, opportunities are created for dialogue and knowledge exchange that are otherwise difficult to achieve.
– In a highly digital everyday environment, personal contact becomes valuable for continued collaboration. At the same time, it is important to stay up to date with new products and technologies, and to understand what property developers and other industry players are working on, says Jessica Becker.
For many of Trästad’s members, Trä & Teknik – Wood Products & Technology fulfils precisely this function: a place where market intelligence, new solutions and personal meetings can be combined during a few intensive days.
– In the situation we are in now, with an economic downturn and an uncertain global context, it is even more important to meet and share experiences. It can provide both hope and energy, and concretely help identify ways forward, she continues.
Knowledge, market insight and new perspectives
When industry, suppliers, architects, construction companies, public clients and academia come together, the connections between different perspectives become clearer. For stakeholders such as Trästad’s members, who often work across sectors, this is crucial for driving development.
– It is very difficult to understand the different challenges within the industry if you do not meet and talk about them. When you do, it also becomes easier to find solutions together, says Jessica Becker.
Knowledge and skills development are central to this. In an industry characterised by rapid change, it is increasingly important to stay updated on technological developments, new ways of working and external changes that affect the conditions for timber construction.
– There is a lot happening right now, for example at EU level in relation to forestry issues. Understanding what is coming and how the market is affected is extremely important, says Jessica Becker.
Shared conversations in a time of transition
At the same time, the understanding of sustainability within the timber industry is broadening. Beyond the use of renewable materials, there is growing focus on circular flows, reuse and resource efficiency. According to Jessica Becker, these are issues that require shared conversations, where different parts of the industry contribute their perspectives.
– We need to be creative and find new ways forward. When we gather in this way, a great deal of energy and inspiration is created. There is a willingness not to lose momentum, but to quickly follow up and continue the discussions. That provides strength both for our ongoing work and for the engagement of our members, says Jessica Becker.