Research
Our work moves between materials, buildings, communities, and digital tools. A single project often crosses several of these areas.
Areas of work
From a material sample to a building assembly to a neighborhood, these are the connected areas WITNESS investigates.
- Sustainable and alternative materials
Investigating earth, clay, hemp, mycelium, bio-based materials, recycled materials, and other low-carbon construction alternatives.
- Material fabrication and testing
Developing specimens, assemblies, prototypes, and construction components using techniques such as compressed-earth block production and additive manufacturing.
- Building and environmental performance
Measuring and analyzing temperature, humidity, moisture, air quality, particulate matter, lighting, energy, and thermal comfort.
- Embodied carbon and life-cycle research
Investigating the environmental impacts of materials and construction processes, including extraction, manufacturing, transportation, use, reuse, and disposal.
- Digital research and design tools
Developing analytical frameworks, databases, simulations, digital platforms, and computational methods that support environmental decision-making.
- Resilience and ecological design
Exploring the relationships among buildings, climate, water, energy, waste, human health, communities, and ecological systems.
- Education and collaborative research
Supporting faculty research, independent student investigations, interdisciplinary projects, industry partnerships, and community engagement.
First materials on the bench
The lab begins with three families of material. Each looks promising. None has enough performance data yet. We test claims instead of assuming a material is better because it is called natural or bio-based.
Earth and clay
Stabilized and unstabilized compressed-earth blocks and earthen mixes. We study thermal mass, moisture, strength, durability, and how earth works with new fabrication methods.
Hemp and plant fibers
Low-carbon insulation, composites, and wall assemblies. We study thermal behavior, moisture, durability, fabrication, and full life cycle.
Mycelium
Lightweight insulation, interior components, and furniture. We study growth conditions, molds, substrates, strength, and moisture behavior.
Projects
A 3D virtual pin-up space for design critique, led by Sarah Lahmadi and Nathan Tavares.
An AI software tool for sustainable design, led by Pratima Guragain.
A design methodology built on the idea of acupuncture, led by Yasmin Morais Torquato.
More projects will appear here as the first fellows and faculty begin their work. Have a project that fits? Apply to be a fellow.