Assistant Professor Rasoul Yousefpour has been appointed the new Executive Director of the Mass Timber Institute at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. 

Established at the Faculty in 2018, the Mass Timber Institute focuses on bridging the gap between academia, industry and Indigenous communities to drive forward mass timber technologies and practices. 

Yousefpour, who joined the Daniels Faculty as a tenure-track professor in Forestry in 2021, brings a wealth of experience in forest economics. His previous role at the University of Freiburg in Germany and his extensive research on forest ecosystem processes and timber markets make him an ideal fit to continue the Mass Timber Institute’s mission to position Canada as a global leader in sustainable mass timber products and technologies. 

“We will collaborate with research and industry partners in wood construction, design, manufacturing and production to tackle supply chain challenges and create solutions for the expanding sustainable building sector,” Yousefpour said of his goals as he steps into the role of director. “We are advancing a holistic forest-to-building model that rigorously evaluates the sustainability, economic benefits and potential GHG emissions reduction of wood-based housing policies.” 

Yousefpour will continue to work closely with Dr. Anne Koven, who will remain involved as the founding director of the Mass Timber Institute. 

Recent and ongoing initiatives of the Mass Timber Institute include: 

Ontario Forest and Wood Sector Model 
In partnership with the Centre for Research & Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE), this project investigates the supply and demand dynamics of wood fiber in Ontario. It aims to optimize supply chains and enhance the sustainability of the mass timber industry in the region. In collaboration with the International Institute for System Analysis (IIASA, Austria), the Ontario Forest and Wood Sector Model is developed to integrate global and regional wood production, imports and exports, offering a climate-smart forecasting and policy analysis tool for future wood markets including mass timber. 

Historical Tall Wood Structures in Toronto 
This research project, led by Ross Beardsley Wood, investigates the historical construction methods of Heavy Timber Mill Construction buildings in Toronto. The goal is to recover and document the construction principles of more than 40 significant examples across the city. 

Local Red Pine CLT Pilot Project 
In collaboration with the Ontario Woodlot Association and other partners, this initiative explores the use of local conifer plantation wood for cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. By sourcing materials locally, the project aims to reduce the carbon footprint and support local economies. 

Mass Timber Building Science Primer 
MTI has published an open access “Mass Timber Building Science Primer,” authored by Professor Ted Kesik. This extensive guide is designed for professionals at all levels and provides detailed information on mass timber science, materials and construction technologies. 

Cost and Carbon for Commercial Construction in Canada 
MTI is working with Ha/f Climate Design, Entuitive and Bird Construction on a comprehensive report that explores the financial and carbon impacts of various structural systems. The report will highlight the potential of mass timber to reduce carbon emissions while remaining cost competitive. 

Mass Timber Today Podcast 
MTI’s podcast addresses challenges, innovations and trends in the mass timber sector. It features discussions on climate change, embodied carbon and supply chains, with insights from industry experts and practitioners. 

Mass Timber Institute Newsletter 
The newsletter updates on MTI’s research, projects and developments. It serves as a vital communication tool for engaging with industry professionals, academics and the public, and includes an annual virtual conference with The Architect’s Newspaper. 

For more details on the initiatives and recent projects, visit the Mass Timber Institute website. 

Images: 1) Rasoul Yousefpour. 2) Zero Carbon Hybrid Wood Tower Prototype. Courtesy of DIALOG.