Natural Materials: Fibers

GSAPP Conversations

Chris Magwood in Conversation with Lola Ben-Alon. In the next installment of the Natural Materials mini-series, faculty Lola Ben-Alon discusses building with natural fibers with researcher and builder, Chris Magwood. Magwood is currently a director at The Endeavour Centre, where he leads several initiatives in training building professionals in working with different natural fibers -- like hemp and plant husks -- in newer, more holistic ways, helping bring buildings to ‘net zero.’ The Natural Materials mini-series consists of conversations with designers, builders, and product developers of clay, bamboo, fibers, and bacterial concrete. Natural materials are defined as minimally processed, readily available, nontoxic, healthy, and engaging materials. They are critically needed to reduce carbon emissions and extractive harmful impact associated with conventional building materials. (This conversation was recorded remotely in November 2020.)