Chestnut wood is characterized by its hardness, lightness, and ability to withstand the elements. Since the trunks of this tree don't grow very thick, it's not very common in the world of architecture. However, it offers many possibilities: with a machine that straightens the trunks and metal joints that hold them together to form a mesh, it's possible to construct the roof of a sports center spanning more than 20 meters, as demonstrated by architects Vicente Guallart and Daniel Ibáñez, directors of a research project. the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), whose fruits can be seen in the Oliva Artés warehouse in Barcelona until November 16 in an exhibition entitled ForestED - From forest to building"This exhibition gives ideas to other designers or city councils that want to get involved. There are other examples of these structures such as fire stations," explains Guallart, who is also the author, with Ibáñez, of a wooden apartment block on Lola Iturbe street in Barcelona that is one of the tallest in the country.

Canadian architect Alison Brooks was born in Toronto in 1962. She moved to London in 1988 and founded her own practice in 1996. Throughout her career, in addition to Canada and the UK, she has built in Sweden, Italy, Germany, and Australia. She is also the only UK architect to have received the country's three most prestigious awards for completed works: the RIBA Stirling Prize, the Stephen Lawrence Prize, and the Manser Medal. Brooks is currently in Barcelona as one of the subjects of a documentary at the new edition of the Barq architecture film festival. Forested future. Our restaurant, our relationship with the natural world (Thursday at the Girona cinemas at 6 pm), directed by Petr Krejčí, and sponsored by the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC). She will also give a talk at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC).