1. ArchDaily
  2. Local Materials

Local Materials: The Latest Architecture and News

Pioneering the Revival of Earth Architecture: Egypt, France, and India

Archaeological endeavors aimed at exploring the civilizations of the past have revealed a commonality across the world. A form of architecture developed independently on every continent. Evidence shows that Neolithic communities used fertile soils and alluvial clay to construct humble abodes, creating humankind’s first durable and solid building material. Earth architecture was born at a very early age in human history. The techniques soon suffered a gradual decline as lifestyles changed, cities grew, and industrialized materials flourished. Does earth architecture have a place in the 21st-century world?

Pioneering the Revival of Earth Architecture: Egypt, France, and India  - Image 1 of 4Pioneering the Revival of Earth Architecture: Egypt, France, and India  - Image 2 of 4Pioneering the Revival of Earth Architecture: Egypt, France, and India  - Image 3 of 4Pioneering the Revival of Earth Architecture: Egypt, France, and India  - Image 4 of 4Pioneering the Revival of Earth Architecture: Egypt, France, and India  - More Images+ 3

"Awareness Makes us Human": In Conversation with Boonserm Premthada, Founder of Bangkok Project Studio

"It's all about attitude and adjusting to the existing circumstances", explains Boonserm Premthada, when asked about his conceptual process. Founder of Bangkok Project Studio, and one of today's most influential Thai figures in architecture, Premthada has been the subject of Bêka & Lemoine's latest documentary, ‘Big Ears Listen With Feet’. The film highlights the personal story of the architect, unveiling all the events and happenings that shaped his unique identity and sensibility. "Deaf from birth", the short movie looks at how the architect's disability led him to listen in a different way, learning from elephants. who "despite their large ears [...] perceive sound mostly through their feet."

ArchDaily had the chance to talk with Boonserm Premthada, during Milan Design Week 2022 at the DAAily bar. Recipient of the Design Prize 2021|22 for social impact curated by designboom, the architect shared insights about his beginnings, his office as well as his creative approach, and his projects.

"Awareness Makes us Human": In Conversation with Boonserm Premthada, Founder of Bangkok Project Studio - Image 1 of 4"Awareness Makes us Human": In Conversation with Boonserm Premthada, Founder of Bangkok Project Studio - Image 2 of 4"Awareness Makes us Human": In Conversation with Boonserm Premthada, Founder of Bangkok Project Studio - Image 3 of 4"Awareness Makes us Human": In Conversation with Boonserm Premthada, Founder of Bangkok Project Studio - Image 4 of 4Awareness Makes us Human: In Conversation with Boonserm Premthada, Founder of Bangkok Project Studio - More Images+ 10

Snøhetta Integrates Norwegian and Upper Midwest Traditions in the Design of the Vesterheim Cultural Campus in Iowa, US

Snøhetta unveiled the design of a new building and landscape design for the Vesterheim campus in Decorah, Iowa. The campus, which also contains the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, explores the diversity of American immigration through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience. The new 8,000-square-foot building, known as “the Commons,” is set to become the entry point and main gathering space for the cultural campus. Aside from anchoring the site, the intervention also aims to strengthen the site’s connection to the city. The building is scheduled to be completed in the Summer of 2023.

The Science Behind the Resilience of Earth Architecture

Earth architecture is built on a far-reaching history. Its story continues to be told through aged structures that have stood the test of time. Across the world, indigenous earth construction techniques have been pioneered by many ancient civilizations. Communities originally built shelters from earth - the most readily available material to them - and have passed on their construction techniques through generations. Earth architecture evolved with a careful understanding of land and location. With practices perfected decades ago, it is fascinating to see earth architecture remaining resilient through adversities

The Science Behind the Resilience of Earth Architecture - Image 1 of 4The Science Behind the Resilience of Earth Architecture - Image 2 of 4The Science Behind the Resilience of Earth Architecture - Image 3 of 4The Science Behind the Resilience of Earth Architecture - Image 4 of 4The Science Behind the Resilience of Earth Architecture - More Images+ 2

Ecological Materials: Towards a New Economy

The world’s most primitive construction materials are being used to create the most advanced buildings. In light of environmental crises, architects are focusing their efforts in designing better built environments for people and the planet. The results may often seem ‘greenwashed’, failing to address the root of ecological distress. Environmentally responsible architecture must aim not to reverse the effects of the ecological crisis, but instigate a revolution in buildings and how we inhabit them. Essays from the book The Art of Earth Architecture: Past, Present, Future envision a shift that will be a philosophical, moral, technological and political leap into a future of environmental resilience.

Ecological Materials: Towards a New Economy  - Image 1 of 4Ecological Materials: Towards a New Economy  - Image 2 of 4Ecological Materials: Towards a New Economy  - Image 3 of 4Ecological Materials: Towards a New Economy  - Image 4 of 4Ecological Materials: Towards a New Economy  - More Images+ 5

The Use of Indigenous and Locally Sourced Materials in Philippines Architecture

The Philippines' history and cultural background are continually reflected in the architectural landscape throughout the country, with its structures and dwellings harboring a handful of influences from the nations that once purveyed the island.

When we talk about the topic of Filipino architecture and dwellings, more often than not, we may think of the first known Filipino home: Bahay Kubo. The Bahay Kubo is a small hut comprising nipa, bamboo, and other indigenous materials. It is often times that many citizens still choose to adopt this style of habitation, however, over time, the concept of the nipa hut has evolved into a more modern structure.

The Use of Indigenous and Locally Sourced Materials in Philippines Architecture - Image 1 of 4The Use of Indigenous and Locally Sourced Materials in Philippines Architecture - Image 2 of 4The Use of Indigenous and Locally Sourced Materials in Philippines Architecture - Image 3 of 4The Use of Indigenous and Locally Sourced Materials in Philippines Architecture - Image 4 of 4The Use of Indigenous and Locally Sourced Materials in Philippines Architecture - More Images+ 8

Environmentally Friendly Materials: 8 New Products To Reduce Carbon Emission

The construction industry's future will undoubtedly include "carbon reduction" as a mandatory task. Aside from locally sourced, virgin materials, an increasing number of new materials are becoming available. New materials can be developed in several ways, including low-carbon substitution, recycling, performance enhancement, and 3D printing. New materials will not only be more environmentally friendly and enable new construction methods, but they will also influence the starting point and direction of design concepts, resulting in new buildings with new perceptions and spaces.

Environmentally Friendly Materials: 8 New Products To Reduce Carbon Emission - Image 1 of 4Environmentally Friendly Materials: 8 New Products To Reduce Carbon Emission - Image 2 of 4Environmentally Friendly Materials: 8 New Products To Reduce Carbon Emission - Image 3 of 4Environmentally Friendly Materials: 8 New Products To Reduce Carbon Emission - Image 4 of 4Environmentally Friendly Materials: 8 New Products To Reduce Carbon Emission - More Images+ 15

Materials or Labor, What Should Cost More?

Architecture is often an ambitious profession, with many architects hoping to positively contribute to the social life of the communities, create emotional responses, and add moments of delight and solace to our daily experiences. However, market forces have a way of applying constant pressure on this field, often being the deciding factor in many design choices. Costs and economic value are generally a good indicator of how, when, and to what extent certain materials are being used: the standard rule is the cheaper, the better. But materials are only part of the equation. Site labor, management, and design costs are also considered, depicting a complex picture of the balance between the cost of materials and the cost of labor and its effect on the architectural product.

Materials or Labor, What Should Cost More? - Image 1 of 4Materials or Labor, What Should Cost More? - Image 2 of 4Materials or Labor, What Should Cost More? - Image 3 of 4Materials or Labor, What Should Cost More? - Image 4 of 4Materials or Labor, What Should Cost More? - More Images+ 9

Winners of the UIA 2030 Award Announced: Acknowledging Architects' Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals

Today, at the eleventh session of the World Urban Forum in Katowice, Poland, the International Union of Architects (UIA), together with the UN-HABITAT, have announced the laureates of the UIA 2030 Award. Seeking to acknowledge the contributions of architects to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and New Urban Agenda through built interventions that demonstrate design quality and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this first edition of a biennial awards program, selected winning projects from Germany, Hong Kong, Argentina, Bangladesh, and China, from 125 submitted projects in 40 countries.

Organized under six categories: Open Category, Improving Energy Efficiency, Adequate, Safe & Affordable Housing, Participatory, Land-Use Efficient & Inclusive Planning, Access to Green & Public Space, and Utilizing Local Materials, the jurors picked a winner per section, yet were unable to identify an overall winner in the open category and chose instead to recognize six projects as Highly Commended, honoring in total 5 laureates and 15 commendations.

Winners of the UIA 2030 Award Announced: Acknowledging Architects' Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals - Image 1 of 4Winners of the UIA 2030 Award Announced: Acknowledging Architects' Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals - Image 2 of 4Winners of the UIA 2030 Award Announced: Acknowledging Architects' Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals - Image 3 of 4Winners of the UIA 2030 Award Announced: Acknowledging Architects' Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals - Image 4 of 4Winners of the UIA 2030 Award Announced: Acknowledging Architects' Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals - More Images+ 17

Materials to Build India's Identity

Materials to Build India's Identity  - Featured Image
© Andre J Fanthome

Upon becoming a sovereign country, free from British Rule, the people of India found themselves faced with questions they had never needed to answer before. Coming from different cultures and origins, the citizens began to wonder what post-independence India would stand for. The nation-builders now had the choice to carve out their own future, along with the responsibility to reclaim its identity - but what was India's identity? Was it the temples and huts of the indigenous folk, the lofty palaces of the Mughal era, or the debris of British rule? There began a search for a contemporary Indian sensibility that would carry the collective histories of citizens towards a future of hope.

Materials to Build India's Identity  - Image 1 of 4Materials to Build India's Identity  - Image 2 of 4Materials to Build India's Identity  - Image 3 of 4Materials to Build India's Identity  - Image 4 of 4Materials to Build India's Identity  - More Images+ 26

Squire & Partners, SAWA and Buro Happold: Design, Engineering and Local Resources Come Together for the Agri-Tech Center in Cambodia

In these fast-paced and constantly evolving times, architecture has been adapting to new building technologies and complexities to serve today’s world needs. Teams of experts from all areas, architecture, engineering, construction, and a long list of professionals, come together to bring these solutions to our built environment. At ArchDaily we have been highlighting these actors in the architecture we curate and publish every day, but we often come across other types of projects, in which we spot different needs, and ways of building in certain places and communities, that equally require a highly qualified team, specific local techniques, and knowledge that are worth sharing. 

In this edition of the ArchDaily Professionals Video Interviews, we talked to Tim Gledstone, partner in Squire & Partners, Edward Dale-Harris founder of SAWA (Socially Active Workshop Architecture), and Matthew Duckett, Senior Structural Engineer in engineering and infrastructure firm Buro Happold. The three experts came together to design and build the community Agriculture Technology Center in Krong Samraong, Cambodia for the Green Shoots Foundation.

Squire & Partners, SAWA and Buro Happold: Design, Engineering and Local Resources Come Together for the Agri-Tech Center in Cambodia - Image 1 of 4Squire & Partners, SAWA and Buro Happold: Design, Engineering and Local Resources Come Together for the Agri-Tech Center in Cambodia - Image 2 of 4Squire & Partners, SAWA and Buro Happold: Design, Engineering and Local Resources Come Together for the Agri-Tech Center in Cambodia - Image 3 of 4Squire & Partners, SAWA and Buro Happold: Design, Engineering and Local Resources Come Together for the Agri-Tech Center in Cambodia - Image 4 of 4Squire & Partners, SAWA and Buro Happold: Design, Engineering and Local Resources Come Together for the Agri-Tech Center in Cambodia - More Images+ 4