By Maya Niblett, Pre-Professional Architecture Major, Mentor Maryam Hojati. With carbon dioxide concentrations and global temperatures at record highs, finding sustainable solutions in the built environment is more urgent than ever. Buildings contribute approximately 37% of greenhouse gas emissions, making architecture and construction among the largest contributors to climate change. Traditional building materials such as concrete emit large amounts of carbon through the production, transportation, and disposal processes. Additionally, conventional building materials are often unsustainably sourced and contain/are treated with chemicals that pose health risks to humans. In Dr. Maryam Hojati’s lab, research is underway to develop sustainable construction materials using 3D-printed local soil. This soil is a natural material with a very small carbon footprint. Taking advantage of local resources eliminates the need to transport materials from afar. The soil can be printed into structural and non-structural walls reducing reliance on high-emission materials.
For my project, I will design and build a green wall using 3D-printed soil and chia seeds. This approach offers a low-carbon, accessible solution while enhancing indoor environments. Integrating greenery into architectural spaces improves air quality, absorbs and manages stormwater effectively, supports mental wellness and productivity, enhances microecosystems, and reduces material waste—making the 3d printed green wall a perfect option to be integrated into building design and construction. By merging sustainable materials with biophilic design, this project explores the future of architecture and construction, aligning with the pressing need for climate-conscious innovation in design.
