*assisted through consultation at RISD’s Nature Lab to stage ideal groupings and plant sequencing.

This selection is based on the local soil and environmental conditions in Rhode Island.

PHASE 1

Architectural frameworks and infrastructures are built and last for a period of time.

PHASE 2

Cherry trees are planted between the beams and will not acidify the soil. These trees will communicate with each other over a 50 year span.

PHASE 3

Blackberry bushes are planted in between the trees with a 5ft radius gap. Additionally, wild concord grapes are planted along the beams when the trees are middle age.

PHASE 4

Lastly, wisteria is grown with the wild grapes. Eventually, as the infrastructure breaks down in addition to the trees, the vines and branches will retain a semblance of the initial structure and provide new homes and shelters for other animals and insects.

PROBLEM

Raw materials are most valuable in their basic form; once processed or mixed, they become harder to reuse. Construction often relies on outsourced materials that end up discarded, and buildings are typically demolished rather than repurposed. This leads to significant waste and inefficiency in the construction industry.

NEED

Options for sustainable construction methods that prioritize local materials and reusability. Rammed earth constructions designed for New England's climate should prioritize materials throughout the construction process, reducing waste and environmental impact.

GOALS

Recognizing how often structures are destroyed, instead of a modular approach, explore how rammed earth structures can give flexibility in how and which sections can be disassembled and rebuilt using the existing material for evolving needs and use.

Left: Initial rammed earth structure, dwelling prototype.

RESULTS

A structure was built incorporating site and local materials. Construction materials and scaffolding were incorporated into the structure throughout the build, creating roof beams, window frames, and seating. Trass lime checks were spaced out through the build to monitor erosion and durability. This flexible rammed earth structure shifts from a dwelling to a pavilion.

FUTURE GOALS

To expand on ways buildings can be part of a closed-loop system from its initial site and construction, to its adaptive reuse, and final dismantling were materials are reused or safely returned to the environment. While this example explored the viability and benefits of sustainable rammed earth construction in New England and future ethical and environmentally responsible building practices, further explorations need to be done carefully monitoring initial inventory and materials and catalogued changes and alterations.

Right: Adapted rammed earth structure, pavilion

PROBLEM

Urban areas lack of diverse, native crops and sustainable land use. This deficit impacts local ecosystems and reliance on strained supply chains.

NEED

Encourage small agriculture solutions in urban contexts that reduce sterile seed purchases, and promote a reemergence of native and varietal seeds and crops that can be sustained.

GOALS

Develop urban agriculture initiatives, engage the community, and raise awareness about historical land use.

RESULTS

PHASE 1 - PLANTING INITIATIVE

Identify underutilized urban spaces for repurposing with edible, medicinal, or native plants that are low-maintenance and aid in erosion control. Establish a local seed bank within the neighborhood association for community collection and distribution.

PHASE 2 - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Develop a community app to locate, track, and update new satellite gardens throughout the city. Foster collective collaboration and community building through this participatory, interconnected system.

PHASE 3 - HISTORICAL AWARENESS

Utilize the Waterfire Festival in Providence to project images of the pre-colonized landscape onto buildings. This visual display acknowledges land exploitation and honors Indigenous communities while illustrating environmental changes over time.

FUTURE GOALS

Develop accessible tools to implement solutions that challenge conventional urban aesthetics and plant selection. Create community-building, interactive, and participatory projects that can be scaled and adapted to various locations, leveraging local events and initiatives to educate and engage the community in building a more sustainable and connected food system.