Architect Michael Green

“Big problems = big opportunities” describes perfectly how Architect Michael Green is determined to solve architecture’s two major challenges of this century: the worldwide increasing housing demand and climate change. How? By introducing carbon-sequestering wood instead of concrete and steel in architecture, on a scale that is unseen so far. Michael is convinced we should use wood to erect urban skyscrapers. “When the Eiffel Tower was built, nobody thought it could be done. Now it’s a symbol of Paris,” Green told the Vancouver Sun. “Projects like it really triggered an innovation on how cities were built. Man moves by innovation and [by] aiming for the moon.”

Architect Michael Green, MGA

In his recently published book

he selected 6 projects to demonstrate how wood and new wood products adapt to unique environments and shape an architecture focused on human experience and happiness, in stride with environmental performance. Each MG.6 project offers a unique story of Green’s process of engaging context and meaning through the life stories of clients, inhabitants and communities. Green believes that adventure is the single unifying characteristic of his firm and his work. Green’s adventures exploring new ideas and places around the globe in return bring an adventurous form of architectural innovation, one that exists not to create unique shapes and forms of buildings but instead to create lasting positive impact on man and planet. Culminating in the Wood Innovation and Design Centre, MG.6 explains the incremental steps that have led Green’s firm to build a global voice for change on the future of carbon neutral urban architecture.

Michael became famous after his 2013 TED talk in Long Beach, California “Why we should build wooden skyscrapers” in which he lays out his thesis for designing and engineering the world’s tallest buildings from one of its oldest materials. His talk has since reached over one million views.

Michael Green "Why we should build wooden skyscrapers”, TED Talks, Youtube, 09/07/2013.

Michael is a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and principal of the architecture firm MGA - Michael Green Architecture in Vancouver, Canada. He founded MGA to focus on progressive architecture, research, education and innovation. His work is diverse in scale, building types and locations. With projects around the world and a team of 25 designers, Michael is vested in helping build healthier communities through architecture, interiors, landscape and urban design. His work includes private residences, retail and restaurants, airports, academic, cultural, commercial and institutional buildings. Michael's hands on approach includes several public art installations and at times the direct construction of components within his projects. Michael's and MGA’s awards include a 2014 Governor General Award, IIDA Project of the Year, and several AIBC, Lieutenant-Governor, and North American Wood Design Awards. Michael is particularly known for his research, leadership and advocacy in promoting the use of wood in the built environment.

Another important project from Michael Green is DBR – Design Build Research, a registered non-profit organization facilitated by MGA. It is independent from academic institutions that provides hands-on design experience for students, recent grads and retired architects from architecture and interior design.

It is obvious that Michael has a clear vision on how architecture can solve today’s major challenges, in harmony with nature. However, engagement also means getting personally involved, by participating at the 1% For The Planet program for example. This organization connects businesses, consumers, and nonprofits, empowering all of us to drive big, positive change.

“Because the practice of architecture and building has enormous impact on the consumption of energy and material resources, we think it is fitting that we donate 1% of our revenues to organizations helping to conserve and protect our planet.“ says Michael Green.

Read Michael Green’s book and leave us your impression in a comment. Thanks!

5 milestones in highrise building with wood

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