IN-PERSON Barcelona. Section A

Abstract

By acknowledging the ecological process of decay in the design of building materials, this research attempts to develop a method for planning the obsolescence of earthen structures by introducing graded/controlled durability within the process of designing and constructing earthen materials and structures. This incorporates natural materials (earth) and natural processes (decay), with vernacular and contemporary construction techniques and methods, and can lead to a predictable/planned decay and obsolescence in the lifecycle of earthen structures. Exploring how materials’ tectonic and inherent capabilities can be implemented to achieve a controlled/graded durability in the construction and design of decay-informed earthen structures can boost the cyclical adaptability of the material in earthen construction. The study involves subjecting manufactured compressed earth blocks with various geometries and firing methods to natural and environmental decay agents to explore, observe, and understand their durability rate. The observational outcomes then will be used in the design of durability-graded compressed earth blocks. Unlike aiming for maximum durability, this approach has the potential to contribute to the reduction of negative impacts associated with manufacturing stabilized building blocks and takes advantage of the affordances offered by the material. The sample-informed study that is the basis for this exploration, combines vernacular wisdom and craftsmanship of existing cyclical architectural typologies such as pigeon towers with contemporary technology, resulting in sustainable and culturally rich architectural solutions. Pigeon towers are designed as environmental infrastructures to systematize the collection of pigeon droppings for fertilizing agricultural lands. These vernacular heritage precedents show a resourceful attitude in response to specific environmental conditions of their context through their tectonics, materiality, and functionality.