ARC 327R / ARC 386M Seminar
Fri 9:00am – 12:00pm, SUT 2.114
Open to ARC and ARI graduates and (with approval) upper-level undergraduates
Aleksandra Jaeschke: jaeschke@austin.utexas.edu
Biogenic materials are produced by or derived from living organisms—plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. Formed through natural biological processes, these materials are both renewable—many replenish far more rapidly than timber—and biodegradable. Reintroducing biogenic materials into the architect's toolbox and advocating for their use in construction can play a crucial role in addressing climate change, preserving ecosystems, improving air and water quality, safeguarding soils, and protecting habitats. Throughout history, biogenic materials have been employed alongside geogenic resources like clay and rock in various domains, particularly in toolmaking, textiles, and construction. However, these natural materials were gradually supplanted by synthetic, fossil fuel-based, and energy-intensive alternatives, such as concrete, steel, and petroleum-derived plastics. The success of the renewed interest in natural materials and bio-based products (e.g., biomineralization) will depend on many factors, including architects' awareness of their potentials and impacts, as well as their ability to work with these alternatives.
Each week, students will conduct and present independent research on a specific biogenic material (e.g., bamboo, straw, hemp, mycelium), tracing its lifecycle—from growth and utilization to degradation—while examining its broader ecological implications. These investigations will include assessments of environmental and social impacts, production methods, distribution networks, regulatory frameworks, and cultural perceptions. The students' work, including territorial-scale maps, process diagrams, building sections, and visual and written descriptions, will culminate in a comprehensive compendium of biogenic materials.
