Concept:
CRAFT EARTH addresses the urgent need to enhance urban-nature transition zones, or ecotones, where urban areas meet natural ecosystems. These regions often suffer from neglect, leading to biodiversity loss and ecological disconnection. The project embraces the philosophy that “what we create should return to the earth,” integrating functionality with ecological restoration. CRAFT EARTH demonstrates how advanced fabrication techniques and locally sourced materials can create both ecological and social impact.

Design to Decay:
The structure exemplifies the principle of impermanence. Composed of 3D-printed earth and wood, it provides seating, erosion control, and a habitat for native plants. Over time, the biodegradable materials will reintegrate into the environment, ensuring harmony between human intervention and nature.

Ecological Principles:

-“Nature thrives in balance” – CRAFT EARTH enhances biodiversity by embracing ecological connections

-“Resilience begins with the local ecology” – The project uses local resources and respects the surrounding ecosystem.

Design and Development:
The team conceptualized and created a modular structure using advanced design and fabrication tools, along with ecological intelligence:

-Local Materials: Earth, wood, and sisal fibers were chosen for their environmental compatibility.

-Innovative Design and Fabrication: Advanced technologies like CNC milling and 3D printing with the WASP Crane ensured precision and adaptability to material constraints.
To optimize construction, the design was divided into manageable segments, balancing feasibility and ecological sensitivity.

Community Engagement:
Collaboration and education were central to the project’s success:

-The Sensory Biodiversity Experience introduced schoolchildren to ecological systems and resilient design.

-Students from IAAC’s Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings & Biocities (MAEBB) program co-planted native species, fostering ecological awareness and stewardship.

Fabrication:

-Stabilized earth mixed with natural fibers formed the primary material for the structure.

-Timber components, including seats and backrests, were crafted from repurposed wood using dowel lamination techniques to minimize waste.

-Each module was fabricated, optimized, and prepared for transport to the installation site.

Installation:
At Font del Gos in Collserola Natural Park, the structure was assembled around a fig tree, symbolizing the integration of human design and natural elements. Volunteers, students, and community members worked together to embed native plants, ensuring ecological benefits over time.

Impact:
CRAFT EARTH serves as a living example of ecologically mindful design in action. Within weeks of installation, it became a gathering and leisure space for local citizens promoting interactions between people and nature. The biodegradable materials ensure the structure will naturally decompose, enriching the soil and supporting biodiversity for years to come.

EIT Community New European Bauhaus CRAFT EARTH is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.

CREDITS

Project Coordinator: Michael Salka
Valldaura Labs Senior Advisor: Vicente Guallart
Valldaura Labs Executive Director: Laia Pifarré
Green Fab Lab Manager: Bruno Ganem Coutinho
Designers: Indraneel Ravindra Joshi
Robotics Lab Support: Alexandre Dubor, Oriol Carrasco, Nestor Beguin
Photography: Daniela Figueroa
Volunteers: Rujuta Chauhan, Shruti Sahasrabudhe, Disha Arora
EIT Design Mentor: Collin Anderson
EIT Business Mentor: Fátmia São Simão