In collaboration with The Regenerative Rebuild Collective (RRC), AIA | LA Building Performance & Regulations Committee (BP&R), and the AIA|LA Committee on the Environment (COTE), this 8-part webinar series dives into the world of bio-based and earthen architecture.

Earthen and bio-based construction materials have been successfully utilized for millennia in climates similar to Southern California’s, and modern engineering has further demonstrated their safety, structural viability, and environmental benefits. These materials exhibit inherent fire resistance; are carbon-beneficial or carbon-neutral; have the ability to actively filter interior environments; do not require chemical additives such as flame retardants, solvents, or heavy metals to achieve high performance metrics; and can be manufactured from local or regional soils, fibers, and aggregates.

Despite the myriad benefits, and due to the systemic failures of our society, architects in Southern California are either unaware of their existence or lack the knowledge to incorporate these materials into safe, scalable, and innovative architecture. This 8-part webinar series brings together some of our industry’s leading professionals to showcase how these materials are being implemented and how these materials can help us achieve a lower-carbon and healthier built world.

The series starts September 9th, with webinars running each Wednesday at 10 am (PDT) / 6 pm (GMT+1) through October 28th.

Week 1: Sep. 9th – WHAT IS BIO-BASED AND EARTHEN ARCHITECTURE?

Week 2: Sep. 16th – STRAW

Week 3: Sep. 23rd – ADOBE, CEB, AND PLASTERS

Week 4: Sep. 30th – LIGHT STRAW CLAY AND COB

Week 5: Oct. 7th – HEMP-LIME

Week 6: Oct. 14th – BIO-BASED AND EARTHEN FINISHES

Week 7: Oct. 21st – IMPLEMENTING BIO-BASED AND EARTHEN ARCHITECTURE AND STRUCTURES

Week 8: Oct. 28th – LEARNING FROM ABROAD