How to evolve the
material earth with
digital fabrication?

︎︎︎ Infused Earth


For thousands of years, people have been building with earth, a natural material. Earth can be durable, transformed, and
remains a natural raw material that can be returned to the soil without residue.
One challenge is traditional manufacturing techniques, which have  involved a lot of human labor and little
freedom of form. That's why, in this research project, the material was enhanced by the digital fabrication of 3D printing. This gives the earth unprecedented freedom of form, while still remaining a transformable, natural material. Numerous experiments were conducted to understand the material in
its new form.
After that, experiments were made with different processes. With new manufacturing comes new properties, these were tested as well.
One particularly exciting property of earth is its bioreceptivity, which is due to its high porosity and moisture-regulating properties. 3D printing makes it possible to create complex shapes. These can be used as habitats for organisms, thereby
promoting biodiversity. Vegetation and moisture regulation create micro climates that counteract urban overheating. At the
same time, the elements acquire a high aesthetic value. Ornamental earthen objects become an addition to the urban landscape.