CEI-Bois is the European Confederation of the Woodworking Industries. The non-profit organization represents 21 European and national organizations from 15 countries and is body backing the interests of the whole industrial European wood sector: more than 180.000 companies generating an annual turnover of 152 billion euros and employing 1 million workers in the EU.
The day-to-day management of CEI-Bois is performed by the secretariat in Brussels, supported by several working groups dealing with Sustainability, Social Affairs, Construction, Innovation and Trade issues.
On June 14th, the members visited Sara Kulturhus. The agenda included a guided tour with one half of the architectural duo behind Sara Kulturhus, Robert Schmitz, White Architects.
We met with Silvia Melegari, Secretary General of CEI-Bois, during CEI-Bois' Annual General Assembly meeting – and 70th anniversary celebrations – in Skellefteå:
"The city of Skellefteå is a living example of the European Bauhaus concept where the growth strategy of the city is based on sustainability, innovation, inclusiveness and culture. And in the middle of this city, its outstanding symbol is a wooden building made of locally sourced timber and built for the local community to enjoy the theatre, great food, reading a book in the building’s library, having a chat or going to the spa. It has been inspiring being in Skelleftea and truly witnessing how green growth is not just possible, but a responsibility for the future. Sara Cultural Centre has probably attributed to the positive attention Skellefteå has received lately, and to the general increase in population and flourishing of the city", says Silvia Melegari, Secretary General, at the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries, CEI-Bois.
Members of CEI-Bois and Swedish Wood with architect Robert Schmitz.
Skellefteå has had a wooden construction strategy in place for almost 20 years.