Skip to main content

Could we build a wooden skyscraper? - Stefan Al

1,399,687 Views

15,194 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Towering 85 meters above the Norwegian countryside, Mjøstårnet is the world’s tallest wooden building, made almost entirely from the trees of neighboring forests. But as recently as the end of the 20th century, engineers thought it was impossible to build a wooden building over 6 stories tall. So how do wooden structures like this compare to steel and concrete skyscrapers? Stefan Al investigates.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Stefan Al
  • Director Franz Palomares
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Music Stephen LaRosa
  • Sound Designer Stephen LaRosa
Avatar for Sazia Afrin
Lesson in progress

Many architects, engineers and developers are working to promote wooden buildings. Compared to conventional construction materials like concrete and steel, wood construction will be kinder to the health of our planet. Do you think these efforts are enough, or should we be doing more?


Comments are closed on this discussion.

Avatar for Harry Connerty
Lesson completed

I do not think these efforts are enough. I think we should be doing more.


Avatar for Luiz Buttelli
Lesson in progress

I think we have to keep looking for new solutions for wood buildings not so high. We have to learn about climate change and environment to create new ways to help our planet. I think that only one thing, like building wood bultings, is not enough to help save Earth. We have to act united and have a compromise with our home, Earth, because we don't have another place to live. We have to help in all the ways we can. This is my opinion.


Avatar for Ian Hall
Lesson completed

Yes. we need to promote this technology, a well managed forest system can easily cope with the wood demand, and we need to greatly reduce our use of concrete as it is a massive source of the pollution that's killing the planet.


Avatar for Thomas Jackman
Lesson in progress

It's encouraging to see architects, engineers, and developers working towards promoting wooden buildings for the benefit of the planet. However, we should continue exploring and implementing additional sustainable practices to further reduce the environmental impact of construction.


Avatar for 도원 김
Lesson completed

No, because when we have to build wood buildings we should cut down the tree which makes good benefits to the world like emitting oxygen.


Avatar for Gleb Shakirov
Lesson in progress

There is no need to rush this process. Forest is an important resource and takes a lot time to grow. Our planet should not be left without a forest because of wooden buildings.


Avatar for Wade Wissler
Lesson in progress

yes because the more we research it, the better our technology for it can improve so we can build taller wooden structures.


Avatar for Albert Blaise Llopis
Lesson completed

No, we don't need to be doing more because most people are already very used to the idea of using concrete. because concrete is used to make tons of buildings, and also because it's still stronger than wood, no matter how much you reinforce it


Avatar for Jesus Bustos
Lesson in progress

It could be better with metal and concrete. But with wood, it is healthier for the planet and it could happen. I think that a wooden skyscraper would be harder to make with wood because it would be big. Wood is also a different material and it could handle differently.


Avatar for Samantha Wee
Lesson completed

We should do more little by little because it will all add up to make a huge difference.

Loading...