Why FSC Was Important to This Project
The project was originally designed to use pressure treated southern yellow pine. Early in the design phase, the design team at Diller Scofidio + Renfro decided that FSC-certified wood should be used throughout the building. They were very open to lesser known species and naturally durable materials not requiring preservative treatment. Santa Maria Calophyllum brasiliense was chosen because it was light in color and rot resistant making it suitable for both interior and exterior use. A key to long term sustainability in FSC-certified forests is the broad use of species beyond standard commercial species. Charles Renfro has confirmed his commitment to using FSC certified wood on future projects.
The fabrication contractors in the USA were open to technology transfer and buying finished and semi-finished FSC products from the certified mill/forest resource in Guatemala and its newly acquired manufacturing facilities. In the process of creating the decking, flooring, and ceiling planking for the ICA museum, quality control techniques and grading knowledge were shared with the mill to facilitate the future success of value added finished products produced near the forest resource. Local manufacture puts more money into the local economy and into the pockets of the local workforce. In some cases re-manufacture of products made in Guatemala was required, which led to additional technology transfer back to the certified mill. Value added, locally manufactured wood products are a pillar of forest economy sustainability.
Prominent and extensive use of FSC-certified wood in a new museum located in South Boston, on the waterfront, gives museum attendees and casual visitors along the Harbor Walk a chance to appreciate practical uses of materials from FSC-certified forests. The installation contractors had opportunities to work directly with FSC wood products, in some cases for the first time. One of the fabricators worked under an outsourcing agreement and is considering FSC COC certification. This project projects the beauty of an FSC-certified forest into the rarified atmosphere of a contemporary art museum and, for all to see, in a public outdoor plaza along the first portion of a Harbor Walk to be built all along the reclaimed South Boston waterfront.
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Project Name: Institute of Contemporary Arts
Location: Boston, MA
Building Type: Museum
Square Footage: 72,000
Owner: Institute of Contemporary Arts, Boston
Architect: Diller Scofidio & Renfro, Perry Dean Rogers & Partners
Use of FSC-certified Wood
42,000 sqft 100% FSC santa maria veneer
11,000 sqft 100% FSC santa maria solid exterior ceiling plank
19,800 sqft 100% FSC santa maria solid exterior decking
7,400 sqft 100% FSC santa maria solid exterior stadium
Base upon cost 89% FSC wood on the project was 100% FSC certified.
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