From Field to Form: Straw

A group of experts discuss the use of straw as a building material.

June 11, 2024

Recorded on April 29, 2024.

From Field to Form is a series of events exploring the possibilities, life cycles, and architectural implications of plant and earth-based materials.

Straw is an agricultural by-product from the harvest of grains, and it sequesters carbon as it grows in the stalk and the soil. Using straw for building utilizes waste from food production, which otherwise may be burned and release carbon into the atmosphere.

What will it take to accelerate the use of straw for buildings? Can we address our housing crisis with straw? How can we accelerate the adoption of straw for urban building fabric? What are the unique opportunities for designing with straw?

From Field to Form: Straw explores these questions with a panel of experts: Alex English (Nitty Gritty Grains), Ace McArleton and Jacob Deva Racusin (New Frameworks), and Paul Lewis (LTL Architects.)

The program closes with a panel discussion moderated by Jonsara Ruth (Healthy Materials Lab) and an audience Q&A.

This series is organized in partnership with Healthy Materials Lab at Parsons School of Design. 

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