Source: The Republic

Seeking to revolutionize an approach to material responsibility in architecture and design, the J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program at the Indiana University Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design presents AMT2025 (Architectural Material Technologies Commons) from March 27-29 at The Republic Building, 333 Second St. in Columbus.

Architects, designers, researchers, craftspeople, students, and community members are invited to participate in the conference. It is free to attend with advance registration.

The conference will feature three days of keynotes, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. Participants can connect with experts from academia, industry, and local communities to explore innovative approaches to material responsibility that contribute to a regenerative, equitable, and resilient built environment.

By focusing on novel, regenerative, resilient, indigenous, and traditional materials, AMT2025 seeks to foster sustainable practices that respect our environment, honor cultural heritage, and empower practitioners through the democratization of knowledge and skills.

AMT2025 emerged through research undertaken by Spencer Steenblik, assistant professor of comprehensive design in the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture and Design, that is supported by the IU Presidential Arts and Humanities Fellowship.

The annual program supports the work of IU faculty who are improving society and revitalizing communities through their research and creative activity, and are poised to become national and international leaders in their fields. Steenblik’s award was announced in this press release from the IU Newsroom. The Miller M. Arch student team assisting Steenblik in organizing the event includes Jonathan Hill, Carolina Zapata Bustamant, Alireza Alikaei, and George Kirton.

AMT2025 will feature keynote presentations by Jonas Hauptman, assistant professor at Virginia Tech University, Dora Epstein Jones, professor of practice at the University of Texas; Philip Beesley, university professor at Waterloo University; and Ju Hong Park, CEO at Design Intelligence Lab Inc. The conference will also offer interactive workshops highlighting the potential for building with versatile and sustainable materials such as hemp, bamboo, and cork.

AMT2025 is supported by the Indiana University Presidential Arts and Humanities Fellowship program, the Indiana University Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design, Terran Robotics, and BioDesign Research Group.

Participants will examine how collaborative, commons-based approaches can create more responsible and accessible architecture, from reimagining traditional materials with modern technologies to developing ultra-low-cost housing solutions using readily available materials. By fostering a community of practice that values both innovation and tradition, AMT2025 aims to catalyze a movement towards more sustainable, equitable, and culturally rich architectural practices.

Free registration is available at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiW0f4fGNI66muKLTHG-ZIVg0X4QZVuNVLNPGd3Hsar2_PUA/viewform.