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Towards Sustainable Cities—Selected Issues for Pro-Environmental Mass Timber Tall Buildings

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  • Hanna Michalak

    (Faculty of Architecture, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-661 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Karolina Michalak

    (Doctoral School, Faculty of Architecture, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-661 Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

The paper undertakes considerations and research into the implementation of mass timber tall buildings in shaping sustainable built environments. The investigated issues arise from contemporary challenges in shaping sustainable built environments, including the implementation of selected aspects of Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 13 relating to the need to meet the needs of an increasing urban population while limiting urban sprawl; the use of nature-based development solutions regarding materials and access to green spaces to ensure a high quality of life for residents, as well as the need to reduce the negative environmental impact of development. The aim of this article is to present building construction that is at the forefront of implementing pro-environmental solutions and contributing to sustainable urban development. Using a research method based on a case study with an analysis of the available literature, the study covered 109 tall mass timber buildings erected worldwide since 2009. General analyses of the urban context of the buildings in question were carried out in terms of accessibility to leisure and recreation areas and to urban greenery, public transport, as well as functional and material solutions for the structure and interior and facade design.

Suggested Citation

  • Hanna Michalak & Karolina Michalak, 2025. "Towards Sustainable Cities—Selected Issues for Pro-Environmental Mass Timber Tall Buildings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-31, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:21:p:9461-:d:1778972
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    References listed on IDEAS

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