ABSTRACT
The element earth was introduced by Xenophanes in his “two-substance” theory of the natural world. Today it is associated with tangibility, manifesting through land, ground, soil, dirt, minerals, mountains, hills, forests, deserts, caves, farms, and the material qualities of the built environment. The argument for earth in architecture goes beyond earthen roofs and green walls to include urban agriculture, gardens, landscaping, structure, and a host of dynamic material choices characterized by durability, resilience, efficiency, and thermal performance. Identified are the benefits and detriments to the element earth, and illustrated are the destructive forces of earthquakes, mudslides, and sinkholes while benefits include provision for shelter, materials for construction, structure, and nutrients from the soil. In response to the beneficial determinant of earth, the chapter presents five case studies that illustrate a focus of the element’s integration. They are the Great Wall of Wa in Northwestern Australia; the Global Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway; the Antinori Winery in Tuscany, Italy; Michael Reynolds’ Earthships in New Mexico, and the School of Art, Design and Media in Singapore. Sustainable and experiential qualities, including our need for strong foundations, permanence, shelter and protection, and fertile land, are presented as representing the substantive and tangible nature of the element earth.
