1. Reconnecting with tradition and know-how

1.1 Mastering architectural design and implementation

The quality of earthen architecture (often reductively assessed in terms of its durability) depends fundamentally on the mastery of architectural design, followed by the mastery of implementation, given that the earthen material, although performing well within the range of similar mineral materials (soft stones and lean concrete, for example) remains highly exposed, particularly to the degradation mechanisms of water and humidity. This relative fragility of the material, which has been used for millennia, has not limited the range of possible architectural applications, nor the performance of the material and construction systems, nor the resistance of the buildings, which have often lasted well beyond the lifespan of several...