When did we switch over to using wood framing to build buildings as opposed to brick? Is one better than the other?
In: Engineering
Wood is much faster/cheaper to harvest, shape, and work with than brick construction. And it’s been that way probably ever since iron axes were common. However brick weathers much better over time, and keeps heat in better. So if you had money, then or now, you’d probably prefer brick construction.
Unless you live in a place that has earthquakes. Earthquakes destroy brick walls, where wood flexes. And with modern insulation, the heat retention properties of brick is no longer a factor. So in geologically dull places, you’ll see a mix of cheaper wood places and expensive stone/brick places; it has probably always been that way. But in geologically active places, brick buildings aren’t a thing then or now. In ancient Japan and Korea, it’s always been wood houses, as brick ones would collapse. In modern California, just like modern South Korea, it’s either steel or wood, possibly with stone/brick facades.
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