In some of the world’s harshest desert landscapes, people learned to build entire cities using mud. Made by mixing earth, water, and straw, mudbricks were shaped by hand and dried under the sun, creating a building material that was inexpensive, accessible, and surprisingly effective in extreme climates. Described below are ten of those desert cities. … Read more
Architect Yasmeen Lari‘s practice is driven by the belief that design can help people rebuild their own worlds with the materials, skills, and knowledge already around them. This Pakistani architect has shaped a body of work that reduces harm, shares power, and harnesses architecture for climate resilience, social dignity, and collective repair. For Lari, design … Read more
This custom-built residence located near Cottonwood, Arizona was built using rammed earth. It is a durable home with impressive energy efficiency, a major advantage in the dramatic desert climate of central Arizona. The residence feels connected to the landscape in ways that go beyond its thick walls, with interiors defined by rustic details, earthy textures, … Read more
Modern construction uses smart science to create spaces that are better for the planet. New materials are replacing old methods that caused too much waste. These changes help homeowners save money on repairs and monthly costs. Choosing the right supplies makes a big difference in how a house feels and functions over many decades. Eco-friendly … Read more
Traditional reed bridges in the Himalayan Nepal are similar to those in the Andes, showing how people on opposite sides of the planet living in similar circumstances come up with the same building solutions. Does this resemblance stem from people designing similar structures because of similar topography, or is it because the indigenous people of … Read more
Near Hudson, N.Y., a Princeton University team has erected a cottage made almost entirely of straw, which they said is more sustainable than bricks or concrete. The cottage looks straight out of a children’s book but has some elegant, modern flourishes. Straw, which consists of the leftover stalks of cereal grains such as wheat and … Read more