Introduction
This studio is sponsored by the Idaho Forest Products Commission (IFPC), and centers around a design competition. In addition, IFPC will provide guest speakers, field trips, and educational materials. The goal of this sponsorship is to explore design opportunities using idaho species (whether solid wood or manufactured wood products).

This semester we will be designing a new

Coming soon

Idaho Forest Products
One of the focuses of the studio is to explore the creative and innovative use of Idaho forest products. Art Troutner, inventor of the Trus Joist, designer of the Kibbie Dome, and provider of one of our UI architecture scholarship funds, refers to this design endeavor as "poetic engineering". We will investigate the use of the material from the smallest detail to expressed structural applcations.

We will take a broad view. Looking at historic influences, what currently exists, and what might exist in the future. This includes sawn lumber, boards and timbers grown in Idaho from Idaho natives. It also includes manufactured wood products that are currently produced in Idaho (glulams), parts of which are produced in Idaho (i.e. OSB or plywood), or were invented in Idaho or by Idaho based companies (Trus Joist). In addition, we will explore innovative new products that could be manufactured in Idaho in the future.

About the Competition
The Best Use of Idaho Wood Architectural Design Awards is a partnership between the Idaho Forest Products Commission, American Institute of Architects Idaho Chapter and the University of Idaho College of Art and Architecture.  The objective of the partnership is to encourage, recognize and support the creative and innovative use of Idaho wood in architectural design.

Goals of the partnership include:
♦ To provide hands-on opportunities for Idaho architects and University of Idaho architecture students to learn about Idaho forests, sustainable forest management, wood products and manufacturing.

♦ To foster learning experiences about the energy efficiency and the environmental and structural benefits of wood.

♦ To establish annual awards events that recognize excellence in architectural design using Idaho wood to both professional Idaho architects and U of I architect students.

Integrative Design

The goals of the comprehensive design studio, as outlined in the syllabus, will guide the process and direct the project outcomes.