The "Architectural Material Technologies Commons" conference aims to revolutionize our approach to material responsibility in architecture and design. By focusing on novel, regenerative, resilient, indigenous, and traditional materials, AMT2025 seeks to foster sustainable practices that respect our environment, honor cultural heritage, and empower practitioners through the democratization of knowledge and skills.
The concept of the Commons, both historical and digital, forms the foundation of our conference. We draw inspiration from the modern Digital Commons, defined as "information and knowledge resources that are collectively created and owned or shared between or among a community and that tend to be non-exclusive, that is, be (generally freely) available to third parties. Thus, they are oriented to favor use and reuse, rather than to exchange as a commodity." (Fuster Morell, M. (2010))
AMT2025 embodies this spirit by offering free admission, emphasizing our commitment to the open dissemination of regenerative and sustainable materials, practices, designs, and ideas. We believe in the power of shared knowledge, from vernacular construction techniques to cutting-edge innovations, to drive positive change in our built environment.
AMT2025 will explore a wide range of key focus areas that are crucial to the future of sustainable architecture. We'll delve into novel and regenerative materials in sustainable design, while also examining the role of indigenous, traditional, and vernacular materials in contemporary architecture. The conference will highlight resilient architectural practices that embrace regenerative techniques and showcase ways to integrate contemporary tools and technologies with traditional materials and methods. A significant emphasis will be placed on the open-source sharing of vernacular knowledge and construction skills, as well as the importance of preserving and transmitting generational craft knowledge. We'll also investigate symbiotic relationships for accessible, low-cost housing solutions, explore the concept of urban commons and their role in shaping our built environment, and discuss models of self-governance and cooperation in small-scale architectural ecosystems. Through these diverse topics, AMT2025 aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in creating a more sustainable and equitable architectural future.
Join us for three days of keynotes, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. Connect with experts from academia, industry, and local communities to explore innovative approaches to material responsibility that contribute to a regenerative, equitable, and resilient built environment.
AMT2025 invites architects, designers, researchers, craftspeople, students, and community members to participate in this vital conversation. Together, we'll examine how collaborative, commons-based approaches can create more responsible and accessible architecture, from reimagining traditional materials with modern technologies to developing ultra-low-cost housing solutions using readily available materials.
By fostering a community of practice that values both innovation and tradition, AMT2025 aims to catalyze a movement towards more sustainable, equitable, and culturally rich architectural practices. Join us in Columbus, Indiana, as we work collectively to shape the future of our built environment.
Key Topics
Novel and regenerative materials in sustainable design
Traditional and vernacular materials in contemporary architecture
Resilient architectural practices embracing regenerative techniques
Integrating contemporary tools and technologies with traditional materials and methods
Related Topics
Material transparency and ethical sourcing in construction
Life cycle assessment of building materials
Fair trade and equitable practices in material production and distribution
Local material economies and their impact on architectural design
Strategies for reducing embodied carbon in construction materials
Technology and traditional materials: bridging the gap
Digital fabrication techniques applied to natural materials
AI and machine learning in optimizing vernacular design principles
Robotics and automation in traditional construction methods
Virtual and augmented reality tools for preserving and teaching craft skills
Innovative materials and sustainable design approaches
Novel bio-based and regenerative materials in architecture
Advancements in recycled and upcycled building materials
Biomimicry in architectural design and material selection
Zero-waste design strategies and circular economy principles in construction
Urban commons and participatory design
Collaborative approaches to designing shared urban spaces
Community land trusts and cooperative housing models
Tactical urbanism and temporary architecture using sustainable materials
Integrating food production into urban architectural design
Open-source sharing of vernacular knowledge
Documenting and digitizing traditional building techniques
Platforms for disseminating indigenous architectural knowledge
Integrating vernacular wisdom with modern sustainable practices
The role of mentorship and apprenticeship in preserving architectural crafts
Cultural preservation through sustainable architecture
Adapting historical building techniques for contemporary needs
Balancing heritage conservation with sustainable retrofitting
Revitalizing traditional crafts in modern construction practices
Case studies of successful cultural preservation through architecture
Low-cost housing solutions using sustainable materials
Affordable eco-housing designs for urban and rural environments
Repurposing readily available materials for emergency shelters
Community-driven construction projects using local resources
Scalable modular housing systems with minimal environmental impact
Biophilic design and human-nature connections
Incorporating living materials in architectural design
Strategies for enhancing biodiversity in built environments
Therapeutic landscapes and healing architecture using natural materials
Biomaterials and their impact on indoor environmental quality
Resilient design strategies for climate change adaptation
Architectural responses to extreme weather events
Passive design techniques for energy efficiency in varying climates
Water-conscious architecture and rainwater harvesting systems
Green infrastructure integration in building design
Decentralized and off-grid architectural solutions
Self-sufficient building designs for remote locations
Micro-grid systems and renewable energy integration in architecture
Water and waste management solutions for off-grid structures
Case studies of successful off-grid communities and their architectural approaches
We acknowledge and honor the Indigenous communities native to this region, and recognize that Indiana University Bloomington is built on Indigenous homelands and resources.
We recognize the Myaamiaki (Miami), Lënape (Delaware), Bodwéwadmik (Potawatomi), and Saawanwa (Shawnee) people as past, present, and future caretakers of this land.
Title
AMY 2025 Architectural Material Technologies CommonsType
SeminarWebsite
Organizers
From
March 27, 2025 01:00 PMUntil
March 29, 2025 04:30 PMVenue
The Republic Building, Columbus, IndianaAddress