Making with Earth: 3D Printing Emerging Technology of Earth-Based Materials in Buildings

Assistant Professor Lola Ben-Alon from Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) spearheaded an innovative course centered on 3D printing technologies using natural earth and bio-based materials, titled "Making with Earth: Digital & Manual Craft Using Earthen Materials in Buildings." This groundbreaking initiative received an in-kind award from CUIT Emerging Technology's Teaching and Learning grant.

Earthen materials, characterized by their low carbon footprint, ubiquity, and affordability, hold the potential to significantly reduce embodied fuel and carbon emissions associated with chemical, industrial, and thermal processing.  Despite these environmentally friendly attributes, adopting earthen building techniques rooted in ancient knowledge still needs improvement, primarily due to perceptual and labor-intensive challenges.

In response to this ecological imperative, students engaged in the Making with Earth course embarked on a series of earth-based building experiments under the expert guidance of Lola Ben-Alon at the Natural Materials Lab.  They explored a spectrum of 3D technologies, from parametric design to digital fabrication, employing additive manufacturing and mechanical pressing techniques.  This ambitious course empowered students to explore diverse material requirements across various processes and machinery. 

Hailing from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and interests, students brought a wealth of research inquiries and fabrication projects to the table.  Notable projects included one team's investigation into using algae as a natural stabilizer for 3D-printed structural columns, while another pioneered the creation of a 3D printable "sprouted earth" structure infused with sprouting green seeds.  Other groups ventured into innovative areas such as rammed earth objects and fabrics enriched with bio-based additives and clay infusion.  The course's diversity of projects spawned a rich tapestry of inquiries and deliverables, fostering an environment where students shared their knowledge and experiences.

As the culmination of their efforts, students crafted imaginative architectural artifacts for an exhibition hosted at 1014, a cultural hub for art and design in the heart of Manhattan.  This visionary course harnessed cutting-edge technologies and addressed critical environmental challenges, offering students a platform for creative exploration while advancing sustainable construction practices.

Notable credits to the following for this journey of bringing an innovative idea to life;

• Faculty: Lola Ben-Alon, PhD; Assistant Professor, Columbia GSAPP
• Research Facility: Natural Materials Lab, Columbia GSAPP
• Teaching Assistant: Khadija Ann Tarver 
• Gallery Space: 1014 Space for Ideas, NYC
• Location Support: Benjamin Bergner
• Students: Priscilla Auyeung, Will Cao, Ting-Hao (Tim) Chen, Sixuan Chen, Linda Deng, Runxin Fu, Junjie (Yvonne) Fu, Xiyu Li, Paul Liu, Yichun (Liz) Liu, Armita Peirovani, Neil Potnis, Zhuofei Tang, Daniel Vanderhorst, Justin Wan, Weiwei Wang, Yuli Wang, Wenjing Xue, Yifei Yuan, Chan Zhang, Clara Zhao, Zixiao Zhu

For any questions about the project, collaboration ideas, or questions to Assistant Professor Lola Ben-Alon, please contact us at [email protected].