Ascent Tower in Milwaukee, WI was completed in 2022 and is currently the tallest mass timber structure in the world.  It is 25 stories (284ft) tall and comprised of cross laminated timber floor systems and glulam columns and beams throughout with cast in place concrete at the lower levels.  In many areas, the timber structural elements are exposed, creating the architecture of the space as well.Alejandro Fernandez is a Senior Associate with Thornton Tomasetti in Chicago, IL and is a structural engineer and architect and one of the lead structural engineers for Ascent Tower.  Alejandro grew up in Madrid, Spain.By reaching new heights, Ascent Tower required complete coordination between the design team, jurisdiction and contractor.  New Code parameters were created from this process including rewriting for maximum wood construction heights and new three-hour fire rated assemblies for timber columns.  Ascent Tower recently received an award from Woodworks for Wood Design Innovation. If you enjoy this show and want more content like this, visit gablmedia.com