Summary of proceedings¹

(¹ This summary of conclusions and recommendations is based on the closing address by Dr. D.R. Redmond, General Chairman of the Consultation.)

Basic to the conclusions of the Consultation was the United Nations estimate that world population seemed likely to double by the end of the century, and that by far the greatest increase would be felt in urban areas where the housing situation had already reached critical limits, as illustrated by the squatter settlements found in and around cities. It is estimated that ten houses for every thousand inhabitants would have to be built annually to meet the needs of growing population and to cover redistribution through migration, the replacement of stock, trends toward larger numbers of smaller households, and so on. But developing countries are building an average of only two to three houses per thousand inhabitants a year.

Observing a common deficiency in planning for the production of building materials in developing countries, the Consultation drew the attention of governments to the fact that such planning is basic to the implementation of national housing programmes. In the case of wood, forest policies generally-and harvesting and processing in particular-must be coordinated with national housing programmes.

It was recognized that trends in housing types influence the choice of building materials and that in urban areas these were toward high-rise housing This was likely to lead to a decline in the use of wood per housing unit, although increasing needs will lead to an overall rise in consumption. Nevertheless, governments were reminded that there are many possibilities for using wood in high-rise construction. Also, governments should consider the economic advantages of using short-life light-weight wood housing that may readily be replaced totally or partially, thereby introducing an element of flexibility.

The Consultation surveyed the principal factors influencing the production of wood-based building materials and assessed the current and prospective supply situations, which it felt should be kept under continual review. Changes in forest management, production technology, construction practices, trade policies and country policies would substantially improve supply. It was noted that little more than 0.5 percent of the world's growing stock was being used annually, but that the growing stock was not distributed evenly. In countries of Asia and the Far East, for example, 40 percent of the world's population has access to only 5 percent of the world's wood. Furthermore, many countries with large forest resources had yet to develop the means to fully utilize these resources.

One factor hampering the fuller utilization of tropical forests was their wide diversity of species. Market forces had led to concentration on a few primary species while the lesser known (so-called secondary) species were largely ignored. The Consultation stressed the fact that many of these lesser known species were perfectly suitable for building materials, and urged governments to encourage their use.

Developing countries where forest resources are in short supply should concentrate on adopting wood-saving designs and technologies; for example, composing large elements from short lengths or small sections. At the same time, where conditions are suitable, they should establish plantations of quick-growing species.

It was agreed that development of the quality and efficiency of forest industries was essential for the wider acceptance of wood as a competitive building material. Poorly finished, unseasoned, untreated and ungraded products lead to a general prejudice against the use of wood in housing.

Just as important as having wood building materials of the right type and quality was the need to use them properly, with regard both to their functions and the conditions under which they have to perform. Here it was considered essential that architects and engineers be adequately trained in the use of wood, and several sections of the Consultation recommended that suitable additions be made to the curricula of architecture and engineering schools.

It was agreed that, provided suitable products are correctly used, wood is an excellent building material which can be adapted to the various levels of technology of developing countries. The transfer of technology must be keyed to the current level of development and made in steps appropriate to this level; however, this transfer, in which developed countries can play a vital role, must be one of technology and not of technologists. As the technological level of a country rose, bringing with it production of the more advanced forms of wood-based products, building techniques would become more sophisticated.

Fire hazards and preservation requirements were two problem areas defined as needing primary consideration. The Consultation expressed the conviction that wood, when properly utilized and treated, does not constitute a fire hazard in excess of other building materials as used conventionally. Deterioration can be minimized by the use of durable and resistant species, and proper preservation and construction practices. The Consultation did, however, express the need for chemical treatments that are easy to use, inexpensive, and suitable for the treatment of naturally impermeable species and incompletely dried lumber. There was also a need for the standardization of methods for evaluating the natural resistance of species to deterioration.

Discussions on technical problems also covered methods of assembly, fastening and exterior finishing, and their performance under adverse conditions. Although there are special difficulties in tropical countries, they can be overcome by technological progress. It was recognized that there was a general need for IUFRO to disseminate information on the solution of technical problems, and to assist in the development of test methods for the improved appraisal of the major properties of wood.

Legislative and code aspects were recognized as being an important factor in the development of the use of wood in housing. While building codes were regarded as essential instruments in establishing standards of safety for occupants, the Consultation stressed that they must fully consider the life style, level of technology and economic position within each country. It was considered that codes must be sufficiently flexible so as not to hinder the introduction of materials or systems of construction that can be shown to be satisfactory. The Consultation felt that the best way to achieve such flexibility was to base codes on a performance concept, and recommended that governments work toward such a system. It was agreed that flexibility would also be improved through a system for regular revision of building codes. Revisions should be coordinated with users of the code and the building industry.

The Consultation agreed that codes based on performance would require the development of adequate test procedures and technical expertise; otherwise many countries would be forced to rely on specification-type codes. Here it was proposed that the appropriate international agencies sponsor the preparation of model codes for application in developing countries with similar levels of social and technical development. International agencies were also urged to cooperate with national governments in exploring ways and means of furthering the training of personnel in all phases of code administration and application.

Strong interest was expressed in the collection of comparative statistical data on property and life losses in fires in various types of construction in different regions. It was noted that countries with long traditions of wood construction, and where such data were available, had only minor differences between insurance premiums for wood and nonwood construction. Such information should be obtained and applied to the determination of insurance rates in developing countries. The merits of a system for evaluating building materials and methods in relation to their use under the provisions of a building code were recognized, and reference was made to a conference on the subject to be held in 1972 under the joint auspices of three international bodies concerned with the standardization of building materials. The Consultation also expressed support of the planned Economic Commission for Europe meeting on the harmonization of building regulations, to be held in London in 1973.

Problems of design, production and erection techniques for timber houses and components, and their relationship to housing costs, were given close consideration. Several aspects of design, including urban development, planning principles and functional requirements, were considered in relation to their effect on the use of wood in construction. The advantages and drawbacks of prefabrication as opposed to on-site assembly of either factory-made panels or random materials and components were identified. It was considered, however, that the flexibility of wood in relation to design and methods of production permits the adoption of a whole range of techniques, appropriate to the technological level and market conditions in any country, ranging from on-site construction to complete prefabrication. Progress toward industrialization needed to follow these consecutive steps:

standardization of sawnwood and products of wood-based industries;
development of mass production of joinery and structural components;
production of panels for walls, etc.;
production of whole house systems.

In covering cost aspects the Consultation discussed building costs and cost comparisons between houses constructed from timber and from inorganic materials. In regard to housing costs generally, the Consultation noted that a dwelling of acceptable standard is normally more expensive in relation to local purchasing power in poorer countries than in rich ones, even though their acceptable standards may actually be pitched lower.

One salient point which emerged from the discussions was a recommendation to facilitate the introduction of sound yet simple designs through the establishment of a central international clearing house for technical information, with particular reference to design aids for timber engineering and building practices.

While it was evident that much of the prejudice against wood in housing resulted from the visible effects of technical misuse, the Consultation recognized that even if technical errors were remedied active promotion was required to reverse the trend away from wood and to correct the many popular misconceptions that existed. It was recommended that, as a first stage in such a promotion programme, governments and international agencies should themselves set an example by using a considerable wood element in the structures they erect.

Several delegates felt that an improved dialogue among people of all sectors involved in the production and trade of wood products was a necessary prerequisite for successful promotion. In other words, the views of foresters should be broadened to include concern for the end use of wood products, while architects should be given the opportunity to take an active interest in the potential of forest resources and the processes by which wood products are produced.

It was evident from discussions on the coordination of future research and development that there are many organizations contributing or able to contribute to aid and development in the field of wood technology and its application to housing. The present complex situation was considered to give rise to some confusion. There was some doubt that the services available were as well known as they should be. It was agreed that there was an urgent need for a means of drawing these organizations together, coordinating their activities, and increasing the speed with which they can act. The main problem was seen to be not one of further research but of the need to collate. interpret and disseminate the large amount of information already available.

The Consultation noted the need for means by which international organizations could accelerate the translation of existing technology for house construction with wood to conditions prevailing in developing countries. It was felt, for example, that knowledge of the characteristics of underutilized species, including those requiring essential but cheap and simple treatment, was vital to their efficient utilization. It was accordingly recommended that the United Nations, in consultation with its specialized agencies, should examine ways by which a central unit could be formed to deal with specific problems and facilitate the use of wood in housing. Its functions would be to provide communication. solve specific problems, secure liaison and cooperation and to support, as advisable, development programmes in other institutions.

In the course of the deliberations many instances of the importance of multilateral aid were recognized and recommended. The Consultation called for intensified involvement of the United Nations and its specialized agencies in helping to formulate and implement government policies and projects. It was also agreed that there were ample opportunities for action financed from bilateral aid programmes.

The Consultation was, by its very title, concerned with the use of wood. However, it recognized that many of its findings and proposals applied equally to building in other materials.

Although the sections of the Consultation had specific subjects for discussion it was inevitable, given the wide range of disciplines involved, that there were many problems discussed by more than one section. This resulted in a presentation of the findings and recommendations which reflected the interdependence of the numerous sectors. To assist the reader who is interested in particular aspects, the table following this summary provides cross references (by paragraph number) between the findings, conclusions and recommendations contained in the reports.

As intended, the variety of disciplines represented by participants from all levels of economic and social development provided a unique opportunity for an exchange of views based on experience. This exchange took place not only during the regular sessions but also during supplementary activities such as evening lectures, showings of films and slides, personal discussions, industrial tours, and so on. The participants recognized the interdependence of the various sectors of the housing industry and the need for closer coordination to solve common problems. It was the consensus of the Consultation that a process of learning had been remarkably accelerated. However, the success of the Consultation would depend on the ability of participants to bring the message across at the national level, ensure that the local authorities translate the recommendations into an action programme adapted to local conditions, and see to it that such a programme is systematically implemented.

REPORTS OF THE CONSULTATION: TABLE OF CROSS REFERENCES¹

REPORTS OF THE CONSULTATION: TABLE OF CROSS REFERENCES¹ (concluded)

(¹Figures in the table refer to paragraph numbers of the reports. Those in italics are recommendations.)

CONVERSION TABLE OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

LENGTH	1 centimetre = 0.3937 in	1 inch = 2.540 cm
	1 metre = 3.281 ft	1 foot = 0.3048 m
	1 metre = 1.094 yd	1 yard = 0.9144 m
	1 kilometre = 0.621 mile	1 mile = 1.609 km
AREA	1 cm² = 0.155 sq in	1 sq in = 6.452 cm²
	1 m² = 10.76	1 sq ft = 0.0929 m²
	1 m² = 1.19599 sq yd	1 sq yd = 0.83613 m²
	1 km² = 0.3861 sq mile	1 sq mile = 2.59 km²
	1 hectare = 0.003861 sq mile	1 sq mile = 259 ha
	1 hectare = 2.471 acres	1 acre = 0.4047 ha
VOLUME	1 cm³ = 0.061 cu in	1 cu in = 16.39 cm²
	1 m³ = 35.31 cu ft	1 cu ft = 0.02832 m³
	1 litre = 61 cu in	1 cu in = 0.01639 litre
MASS	1 kilogramme = 2.205 pounds	1 pound = 0.4536 kg
	1 metric ton = 1.102 short tons	1 short ton = 0.9072 metric ton
	1 metric ton = 0.9842 long ton	1 long ton = 1.016 metric tons
	1 metric ton = 19.684 cwt (of 112 lbs)	1 cwt (of 112 lbs) = 0.0508 metric ton
	1 metric ton = 22.046 cwt (of 100 lbs)	1 cwt (of 100 lbs) = 0.04536 metric ton
	1 metric ton = 10 quintals	1 quintals = 0.1 metric ton
PRESSURE	1 kg per m² = 0.2048 lb per sq ft	1 lb per sq ft = 4.882 kg per m²
	1 gr per cm² = 0.0142 lb per sq in	1 lb per sq in = 70.31 gr per cm²
DENSITY	1 kg per m² = 0.06243 lb per cu ft	1 lb per cu ft =16.02 kg per m³
OTHER	1 m²/ha = 4.356 sq ft/acre	1 sq ft/acre =0.2296 m²/ha
	1 m³/ha = 14.29 cu ft/acre	1 cu ft/acre = 0.07m³/ha