COMMUNITY AND INDUSTRY IMPACTS

POSITIVE EFFECTS ON PHYSIOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY

Organic forms and wood surfaces positivley affect our personal health and are scientifically substantiated.

Since the beginning of time we have been living in nature. And over this entire time the human body adapted to nature. Today, when we see natural materials, we automatically feel good because we are wired to the natural environment. There is a connection in the molecular database. We use “Biophilia” to describe this phenomenon. The sight of curvilinear form, shapes, and textures triggers positive responses in our emotional control center. They are judged more beautiful, as compared to their linear and orthogonal counterparts. Exposure to wood reduces the release of stress hormones, compared to other materials, and the sight of natural surfaces positively affects cortisol levels, a primary regulation hormone of the body.

AIR QUALITY HEALTH HAZARD DURING MANUFACTURING OF CONCRETE

The manufacturing of concrete has a 60 percent higher emissions potential for ozone (O3) than steel/mass timber hybrid manufacturing. While ozone, high in our atmosphere, is important for protecting people from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, at ground level it can be a significant health threat. Ground level ozone, or smog, is formed from a chemical reaction between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of heat and sunlight. Smog aggravates lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.

COMMUNITY AND INDUSTRY IMPACTS

Crossing the West Seattle Bridge has been a breathtaking experience for everyone who ever traversed the Duwamish River at height and enjoyed the scenic panorama of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, the Seattle skyline and the Cascade Mountain ranges.

In 2019, the bridge has been subject to over 100,000 vehicle trips and 390 bus trips per day. A bridge built with locally grown timber will compliment and ground the bridge to its community, industry, and shared value system that is deeply rooted in the heritage of Emerald City, a name manifesting our past and future.

In Washington, the timber industry supports 101,000 workers, generates $5.5 billion in wages annually, and constitutes the third largest manufacturing industry.

Washington Forest Protection Association