The sustainability of raw earth: an ancient technology to be rediscovered

ABSTRACT Raw earth has been one of the first construction techniques. All over the world there is varying evidence of earthen constructions. Thanks to its geological and morphological nature, Italy has a fair number of earthen constructions, albeit of limited dimensions, belonging to a constructive heritage of the past. On the other hand, China, especially the south of the country, is characterized by numerous structures of raw earth of considerable dimensions, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The research is focused, in the Italian case, on the areas of Lucania and, in the Chinese case, on the areas of the Fujian province. The work illustrates the preliminary results of a multidisciplinary research activity centered on the recovery and enhancement of the vernacular raw earth construction. The future goal of the study is the industrialization and production of raw earth technologies through the implementation of smart manufacturing of innovative materials that will allow the contemporary use of, an ancient sustainable building tradition.