Blog Posts_Design and Sustainability_Earth Architecture

Blog Post #1 ­ A dilemma in sustainability Lisa Piquemal, 250 words

One important dilemma while designing for an architect is the choice of materials especially in a sustainable perspective. Once, one tutor introduced French earthen construction during a lecture which at first sight didn’t attract me as it is not popular but he proved me wrong.

Earth constructions are actually spread all over the globe. Between a third and a half of the population lives in earth constructions as reported Rael (2008, p. 9). Earthen architecture doesn’t seem to be very well­known though. It is effectively perceived as a material for the poor but it is appropriate in more industrialized country as there are many adapted earth techniques. (​ibid​. p. 9)

Concerning techniques of construction, they remain unknown for me and I wonder if there can be adapted to any country because climate differs.

Indeed, every regions of the Earth manage to build earth structures in their own manner. The US adopts more rammed earth than adobe bricks for instance depending on the climate that can be humid. This technique is also used in Europe ­ and more precisely in France famous for the pisé technique ­ and in Australia which modernizes it. It appears that in Asia and Middle East traditional houses are made of earth, respectively mud brick, adobe and wattle­daub which includes bamboo framing (Niroumanda, Zainb, Jamilc 2013, 237­242).

So, in the perspective to be an international architect, I should develop more my knowledge about techniques regarding natural materials in order to design more sustainable buildings in a global scale.

Personal schematic map of the earth technique in the world.

Reference List

Rael, R. (2008). ​Earth architecture​. New York, Princeton Architectural Press Publishing.

Niroumanda, H., Zainb, M. F. M., Maslina, J. (2013). Earth Architecture in the World.

Procedia ­ Social and Behavioral Sciences​, 237­242.

Blog Post #2 ­ Description of the system Lisa Piquemal, 250 words

Like most people, I am not familiar with earthen architecture and only experts are. I couldn’t rely on its sustainability for long term regarding resistance. Rael (2008, p. 9) states that despite its recognition for its beauty and uses, earth is nos associated as durable and performant in a contemporary viewpoint.

I’ve discovered throughout some readings the first skyscrapers located in Shibam in Yemen : there are impressive particularly by their height as they are made of mud brick according to Minke, Gernot (2006, p. 13). Called “the Manhattan of the desert”, it welcomes a population density equivalent as New York. This illustrates potentials of earth regarding stability.

However what techniques are used to prevent earth structures’ protection against exterior constraints and what are the limits? There are many qualities and defects that we ignore that should be taught.

For dry climates, earth is actually very efficient because it can balance air humidity and heat as reported Mileto, Vegas, Cristini in “Earthen architecture…”

Concerning rainfalls, the main issue is its low resistance against water but simple additive structures are relevant like roof overhangs, damp proof courses or surface coating. Earth is economic because we can excavate soil and reuse it, reducing transportation costs as well as machine and tools. Consequently, building with Earth is accessible to non professionals.

Designing earthen architecture requires to learn basic knowledge. With more experience, I would like as many architects, to be able to improve structures so that this raw material remains both accessible and eco­friendly.

Photography 1 : Shibam, Yemen. Retrieved in ​www.toolito.com

Figure 1 : Personal diagram of advantages and disabilities of earth structures.

Reference List

Minke, Gernot (2006). ​Building with Earth.​ Basel, Boston, Birkhauser­Publishers for Architecture.

Rael, R. (2008). ​Earth architecture​. New York, Princeton Architectural Press Publishing.

Mileto, Vegas, Cristini. 2012. “Earthen architecture: Clay feet or a feat of clay” In ​Rammed Earth Conservation​, edited by F.G. Matero University of Pennsylvania, 17­19. London : Taylor & Francis Group, London,

Blog Post #3 ­ An aboriginal perspective Lisa Piquemal, 250 words

Conceiving vernacular and modern buildings are my future preoccupations because I believe there is a lot to learn from ancient to present, from tradition to contemporary.

Earthen architecture is originally vernacular which means “​simple, indigenous, traditional structures made of local materials” according to encyclopedia.com. This also means that techniques used are a transmitted heritage, so it depicts a cultural aspect.

Local architectures require natural elements. House is made of earth from the soil, straw from the fields consolidates the structure and water to mix with earth comes from the river as stated ​Minke, Gernot (2006, p. 61)​.

Indigenous buildings use materials and tools from the site so they are natural and sustainable. Contemporary architects deal with preserving and understanding aboriginal culture. What should we consider while designing for aboriginal people?

The ​Bowali Visitor Information Center in Kakadu National Park, Northern Australia, for example, is dedicated to indigenous people and enhances the environment. As follows Rael (2008, p. 9), it “seemed to grow from the landscape”. The architects Glenn Murcutt and Troppo remind the creek by the shape and water evacuation​ ​and the termite mounds as they use the soil to construct wall resulting in red shades. They collaborated with the Aboriginal Djabulukgu Association and the Gagudju people. Modern materials provide an ambient filtered light.

For an architect, while designing for a local population, it is essential to respect its culture and environment by the use of materials ensuring the conservation of their heritage meanwhile being appreciated by external population.

Photography 1 : The Bowali Visitor Information Center, Kakadu National Park, Northern Australia. Murcutt Association, Troppo architects.

Reference list

Minke, Gernot (2006). ​Building with Earth.​ Basel, Boston, Birkhauser­Publishers for Architecture.

Rael, R. (2008). ​Earth architecture​. New York, Princeton Architectural Press Publishing.

Blog Post #4 ­ Sustainable redirective design Lisa Piquemal, 247 words

In my opinion, designing sustainable projects necessitates collaboration between actors (designers, craftsmen, customers, administration...). In architecture, everyone has generally its own specific tasks during the elaboration of the building but regarding vernacular constructions, each person is involved at the same level without hierarchy.

Thanks to internships in a work site and an agency, I’ve learnt fast while practising. By participating to a construction, local people share diverse competences. Vernacular methods allow communities to learn techniques beneficial for individual and collective projects as well as improving new materials. It is profitable to export their skills to a larger scale through courses, workshops and the use of media via internet. Social and human…

(Rey Cuellar 2014, 861)

This applies to a local population but the main issue for designers is to standardize those methods in confrontation with the government so that vernacular approaches are more popular worldly.

Throughout the example in Egypt, earth architecture is progressively being the sustainable construction technique which promotion should ameliorate by changing policy and education to prevent general awareness (Sameh, 2013, p. 369).

In France, local governments become to realize how earth construction is technically successful for the future and exhibitions are frequently organized to get people engaged.

Continuity of French… (Guillaud, Moriset, Gandreau 2015, 7)

I conceive that in a more global and modernized world, future projects are the solutions to promote sustainable techniques with a renewed attention to natural materials like earth but we need to work altogether and mediatise our progression.

Figure 1. Personal diagram of design and sustainability communication.

Reference List

N. Rey Cuellar (2014). “Social and human aspects in the use of vernacular knowledge”. In Vernacular Heritage and Earthen Architecture,​ edited by Correia, M. Carlos, G. Rocha, S. 861­865. London : CRC Press.

Sameh, S. H. (2013). Promoting earth architecture as a sustainable construction technique ​ 62­373. in Egypt​. Journal of Cleaner Production , 3

H. Guillaud, S. Moriset & D. Gandreau, 2015. “Continuity of French rammed earth architecture.” In ​Earthen Architecture: Past, Present and Future​, edited by Mileto, Vegas, García Soriano & Cristini, 3­8. London : Taylor & Francis Group.