Summary

Metamorphoses of the Wood Material in Architecture

The connection between wood material and the phenomenon of the imitation is the theme of the paper. Using the imitation in the exteriors and interiors of architecture is not well known among professionals and society. This problem is connected with the quality of the architecture. There are a many surfaces that look attractive, natural and fashionable in our everyday environment but are only images, copies, imitations, of the real material,. Two forms of this phenomenon are analyzed. The first is when the architectural object is made from timber but it appears as built from other material. The second option is the reverse, namely, when wood is imitated by other material. In both cases, one meets with: a large number of examples, a degree of similarity between imitation and true material, and the rationality, ingenuity, and honesty of the creator. Despite the controversy, both manifestations show a very special attraction for real wood in architecture.