More architects are turning to wood to build their structures and make them more sustainable. In Sweden, a $110 million center was built as a proof of concept for this. Other architects in Sweden are putting together plans to construct whole wooden cities.

When developers began transforming the kitschy waterfront motels of Sunny Isles Beach into luxury high-rise condos and hotels more than two decades ago, they were confident they understood the challenges of erecting massive towers on shifting sand.