Latest News: Updated January 3, 2013
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2013 Workshop Dates:
Four Day Workshops
February 20-23, 2013
July 10-13, 2013
One Week Workshops
March 18-23, 2013
April 22-27, 2013
May 20-25, 2013
June 17-22, 2013
September 9-14, 2013
November 11-16, 2013
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SPAIN WORKSHOPS 2013
Barcelona, Spain — 3-9 March, 2013
Madrid, Spain — 28 April-4 May, 2013
Alicante, Spain — 2-8 June, 2013
3rd Annual Combined Superadobe and Permaculture Course
October 7-18, 2013
Early Registration Discount |
Cal-Earth
The California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture
The California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture is a 501 (C)3 non-profit/charitable foundation at the cutting edge of Earth and Ceramic Architecture technologies today. Founded in 1986 by its director, Nader Khalili (1936-2008), its scope spans technical innovations published by NASA for lunar and Martian construction, to housing design and development for the world's homeless for the United Nations.
Continuing in his tradition, Khalili's associates and apprentices are dedicated to research and education of the public in environmentally oriented arts and architecture. Its philosophy is based on the equilibrium of the natural elements of earth, water, air, fire, and their Unity at the service of the arts and humanity.
Cal-Earth's mission is guided by three principles: (1) shelter is a basic human right, (2) every human being should be able to build a house for him or herself, and (3) the best way to provide shelter for the exponentially increasing human population is by building with earth.
Go to Products & Materials
Click to view the trailer for "Making of a Dream", in which award-winning architect and humanitarian Nader Khalili asks, "How can we build shelters for people in the world who have no money?" In the first of a five part DVD series, Nader Khalili shares some of his insights about how to empower others to create change; he says, "To have a quest is the key to all of your desires."
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NADER KHALILI, ARCHITECT AND HUMANITARIAN
(1936-2008)
Architect and author Nader Khalili developed the simple breakthrough building technologies known as Superadobe (sandbags and barbed wire) and Ceramic Houses, with the freely available material of earth, for almost thirty years. Inspired by the poetry of the 12th century mystic Rumi, who wrote in his native Persian language, Khalili served as a consultant to the U.N. (UNIDO) and a contributor to NASA, as well as directing the Architectural Research Program (ARP) at SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture).
For his work in Earth and Ceramic Architecture since 1975, he received awards from organizations such as the CCAIA for "Excellence in Technology," the U.N. and HUD for "Shelter for the Homeless," the ASCE (Aerospace Division) for his work in lunar base building technology, and most recently the Aga Khan award for architecture for "Sandbag Shelter Prototypes".
Through his work, Nader Khalili has inspired a global movement and left a rich body of philosophy, design and innovative construction technology. His work is continued at Cal-Earth Institute, as the basis for its research and educational mission.
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UNITED NATIONS, WORLD MEDIA, OFFICIALS' COMMENTS ABOUT
CAL-EARTH
Reuters International News agency: "I thought it was amazing. It is a hidden treasure," said Omar Bakhet, director of the Emergency Response Division at the U.N. ..."I don't think there's a risk, it's a proven technology, it's cost effective, you need very little building material, just what nature gives you. So simple it can be learned by everybody."
CNN: "They meet all building codes, are energy efficient, weather tight, and so solid they passed the most gruelling stress tests."
BBC: "The buildings are cool in summer and warm in winter, probably the most environmentally friendly homes you'll ever come across."
NASA: (Lunar habitat) Khalili's perspective on Lunar Architecture provides an interesting and thought-provoking contrast to 'orthodox' scenarios."
LOS ANGELES TIMES: "The city [of Hesperia] conducted tests, under the supervision of the [International] conference [of Building Officials, ICBO), and found that Superadobe stood up to twice the amount of weight that would crush a pitched-roof house."
Mayor of Hesperia: "We think this design has the potential of revolutionizing the housing industry."
Hesperia Building Official: "The buildings were stronger than the testing equipment."
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