Materials matter | Monocle

The Urbanist

Materials matter

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16 January 2025

Episode 692

30 minutes


Photo: Getty Images

How can the materials with which we choose to build affect the economics, sustainability and resilience of our built environment? We explore the material world through a recent title about available resources, an explainer on using soil for structures and a visit to the world’s leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems.

16 January 2025

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Chapter 1

10 minutes


Photo: Getty Images

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Chapter 1

‘Materials: An Environmental Primer

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How do material choices affect buildings? And how do architects, planners and designers choose between all the options? That’s what Hattie Hartman’s new book, ‘Materials: An Environmental Primer’, hopes to tackle.

10 minutes

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‘Materials: An Environmental Primer

Chapter 2

9 minutes


Photo: Alamy

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Chapter 2

Using earth for a circular construction economy

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Rabia Charef, senior research associate and architect at Lancaster School of Architecture, on how soil could be the secret to boosting the circular economy in construction.

9 minutes

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Using earth for a circular construction economy

Chapter 3

9 minutes


Photo: Shutterstock

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Chapter 3

Breaking down BAU

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BAU is the world’s leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems. Taking place in Munich this week, it’s the prime location to discover how the field is coming up with innovative solutions. Christopher Lord tells us more.

9 minutes

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Breaking down BAU

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