In this project, I analyzed the processing of wood around Zürich. There are two different trajectories. First, high quality logs from rare species like the larch, are processed locally in a small sawmill in Regensdorf. This wood is used for special productions, partly to meet the high cost of salaries. Second, big quantities of common softwood is transported to the east of Switzerland to be processed into glue laminated timber. This processed timber serves projects, like wooden high-rise buildings.
The analysis thus shows how traditional processing of wood within the city is diminishing. To counter the loss of traditional craftmanship and to share expertise, a public wood workshop is established, located near Dynamo at the Limmat river in Zürich. Utilizing the foundation of the Provisorium Schutz und Rettung, it fosters a hub for exchange of knowledge and craftmanship. Simultaneously, a second intervention proposes to support the local network of sawmills with a new catalog for public wood elements in Zürich, slowly replacing the existing one. These small scale objects make local wood processing profitable, opening up a new market for the local sawmills. By encouraging public involvement, both initiatives offer a connection between professionals and the public.
