Page 43 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 34
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The Environment
emphasizing craftsmanship while
maintaining structural integrity.
• Seismic-Resistant Designs: Buildings
in earthquake-prone regions can benefit
from flexible, interlocking joints like
those used in Hōryū-ji, where joinery
absorbs and redistributes seismic forces,
reducing damage.
A Sustainable Future Rooted in Tradition
Reviving woodworking techniques like
Sashimono, dovetails, and mortise-and-
Mjøstårnet’s achievement highlights how traditional woodworking tech- tenon offers a pathway to more sustainable
niques, adapted for modern engineering, can scale sustainably. Its use of
timber sequesters carbon, and the structural systems demonstrate how construction practices. These methods
joinery principles can reduce reliance on energy-intensive materials like not only reduce dependence on synthetic
concrete and steel.
materials but also promote the use of
renewable resources, improve recyclability,
reduce reliance on energy-intensive materials and celebrate craftsmanship.
like concrete and steel.
Incorporating these techniques into
3. Architectural Applications of architectural designs—whether in heritage
Woodworking Joinery restorations or modern timber skyscrapers—
enables us to build structures that are durable,
• Load-Bearing Structures: Mortise-and- adaptable, and environmentally responsible.
tenon or dovetail joints can replace metal As the success of Hōryū-ji and Mjøstårnet
fasteners in timber-framed walls and shows, traditional woodworking methods
roofs, creating durable frameworks with can meet the challenges of contemporary
minimal materials. construction while fostering a sustainable
• Prefabricated Modular Units: connection to our built environment.
Techniques like tongue-and-groove
or Sashimono interlocks are ideal for By bridging the gap between ancient
prefabricated wall panels and flooring practices and modern needs, we can craft
systems, which can be assembled and buildings that honor tradition and innovation,
disassembled with ease, reducing waste offering timeless solutions for a sustainable
during renovations or relocations. future.
• Decorative Elements: Butterfly joints
or exposed dovetails add aesthetic
appeal to beams, staircases, or furniture,
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