Our Earthen Architectural Heritage: Materials Research and Conservation

Abstract

Earth construction is the oldest and most universal architectural expression on our planet. The most ancient human settlements were built with raw earth, and even today at least 30% of the world’s population still lives in earthen homes. The conservation of earthen architecture depends of two aspects of a global strategy. One part involves intervention to preserve existing structures, and the second involves continuing to use the construction methods and materials in contemporary and future building practices. Traditionally, earth construction has been approached in an empirical way. Only recently have those involved in the field felt it necessary to develop a specific materials research attitude. This has resulted in major technological progress over the last 20 years.The wide range of building systems emphasizes the technological diversity of earth construction. This article presents a historical perspective, along with a review of the characteristics of earth as a building material, stabilization processes, and construction methods, and a report on an ongoing research program aimed at identifying and characterizing the fundamental binding mechanisms responsible for cohesion properties in earthen construction.