The aim of this workshop is to promote and spread vernacular knowledge about ecological, bioclimatic building, using natural materials such as raw earth, to valorize local knowledge and question the current way of constructing. The participants are hosted by the local woman’s association, in their building, realised during a former BBB program.

During the 10-day workshop, the focus will be on hands-on experiments with different earth construction techniques, guided by local professionals. 'A series of introductory lectures by BC architects & studies & materials, give you a look into the traditions and history of earth construction techniques while also elaborating on contemporary applications in a Western context.' 

Site visits to traditional architecture projects, using vernaculare construction techniques, as well as to contemporary interventions are part of the programme.

Accommodated by local families, participants will experience the village culture in depth, including traditional dishes, Moroccan bread and traditional tea.

At the occasion of the 2022 Fall Symposium, a one-day hands-on workshop focussing on geo-based and bio-based materials, was open for all.

'In one atelier, participants discovered the potential of unfired earth.  An overview of the different earth construction techniques was presented, but mostly they got their hands dirty and created various shapes in rammed earth.

The other atelier zoomed in on the potential of using natural fibres in construction.

All that was complemented with a lecture on the technical behaviour of natural materials, with a focus on lime-hemp.

The fibrous and earthy volumes, products of the workshop, were exhibited in the Old Prison's Panopticum, during the Fall Symposium