The World’s Largest Wooden City Is Coming To Sweden

To revolutionize the future, designers and architects are increasingly looking to the past, and wood construction remains a prime example of this occurrence. Wood is generally considered more sustainable than steel and concrete, as timber construction emits fewer pollutants. Engineered timber—or man-made timber—can be fireproof as well, which is exceedingly important as forest fires increase in both severity and occurrence due to climate change. Atrium Ljungberg also claims that wood buildings can be better for personal health and that studies have shown they “provide better air quality, reduce stress, increase productivity, and store carbon dioxide throughout the time they are in use.”

Stockholm Wood City hopes to bring these benefits to a larger scale. Though wood construction is increasing, it has mostly been confined to singular structures or blocks. Beliefs that wood is outdated or even dangerous—thanks, in part, to disasters like the Great Chicago Fire—have slowed its use on a wide-scale level, despite efforts from organizations such as the New European Bauhaus to change this reputation. “Our industry leaves a big mark, and it is important for us to make a positive difference in both the shorter and longer term,” Ånäs said.