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Natural Materials Lab
OVERVIEW
The Natural Materials Lab, founded and directed by Assistant Professor Lola Ben-Alon, investigates raw, earth- and fiber-based building materials, their life cycle, supply chains, fabrication techniques, policy, and upscaled possibilities. Our research and teaching craft new ways to imagine and build socially equitable and ecologically sustainable futures by converging material science, geology and geography, architecture, engineering, art, and design.
Research
4-meter structure showcases AI-generated earthen bricks in circular, degradable construction
Blending ecological fabrication with cultural and bioclimatic considerations.
Reflecting on the interconnectivity between material bodies through soil figurine printing
Fusing natural waste materials with advanced fabrication to challenge material hierarchies
Developing digital weaving techniques for structural earth-fiber lattices
Designing earth fabric wearables to deliver localized thermally-pleasurable experiences
Tracing the social and material ecologies of sourcing earth through Sgraffito ornamentation
Using biophilic design and natural materials to promote recovery and wellbeing in healthcare e...
Speculating on the mineralogical content of earth materials for buildable -and edible- practic...
The environmental impacts of thermal experience and survivability in earth dwellings
A raw (non-stabilized) rammed earth installation at Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory
Catalyzing the use of low-carbon and community-engaging building materials through systematic ...
Reconciling architectural representations of housing while drawing from land art practices
Teaching
Introducing architectural design responses for energy, climate, and comfort
Understanding and managing embodied / operational energy via Life Cycle Assessments (LCA)
Fabrication seminar exploring manual and digital techniques for earthen constructions
Rethinking raw earth for contemporary construction through immersive exploration.
A project-based seminar that provides both theoretical and hands-on building experience
Blending tradition, innovation, and living systems to craft sustainable material processes.
Capturing site-specific geology, labor, and migrations through clay, additive, and mold-making...
Independent Research supports thesis development in material studies and architecture technolo...
Publications
Who We Are
The Natural Materials Lab is directed by Lola Ben-Alon, Assistant Professor and Sequence Director of the Building Science and Technology curriculum at GSAPP.
Past Researchers and Assistants
Arissara Donna Reed, M.Arch ‘25
Pavitra Nayak, MS.AAD '24
Kate Perez, M.Arch '25
Tashania Audrey Akemah, M.Arch '24
Pavitra Nayak, MS.AAD '24
Yuna Li, M.Arch '24
Aidan Ford Chisholm, MA. Modern and Contemporary Art '24
EunJin Shin, M.Arch '24
Zina Berrada, M.Arch '23
Mohammad Hossein Zowqi, M.Arch '25
Kumru Emine Taha, CC ‘25
Zackary Eugene Bryson, M.Arch '24
Andrew Chee, M.Arch '24
Sarah Hejazin, MS.AAD '21
Bisher Tabaa, M.Arch '23
Saba Ardeshiri, M.Arch '23
Jennah Christina Jones, M.Arch '23
Mariami Maghlakelidze, MS.AAD '21
Reem Makkawi, M.Arch '22
Recent News
GSAPP Conversations:
Natural Materials Mini Series with Lola Ben-Alon
Over the Fall 2020 semester, Assistant Professor Lola Ben-Alon hosted a mini-series on natural and living building materials as part of the GSAPP Conversations podcast. The Natural Materials mini-series consists of conversations with designers, builders, and product developers of clay, bamboo, fibers, and bacterial concrete. Natural materials are defined as minimally processed, readily available, nontoxic, healthy, and engaging materials. They are critically needed to reduce carbon emissions and extractive harmful impact associated with conventional building materials.