Materials surpass planetary boundaries, whose extractive nature even today raises critical ecological concerns. Crop*d tackles one such challenge of managing agricultural waste, a major contributor to air pollution and CO₂ emissions by transforming them into biogenic building materials. This initiative mitigates environmental damage while fostering social equity through collective measures. By integrating carbon-sequestering materials into construction, our proposal envisions a circular system that reduces pollution, empowers farmers, and redefines waste management in developing regions.

In the realm of brick manufacturing, understanding the factors and processes that contribute to brick waste, undervalued or excess stock, and "seconds" is crucial for optimizing production efficiency and sustainability. This research manifesto aims to identify the key elements in the manufacturing process that lead to these forms of waste and to examine other waste streams typically produced during brick production.

The manifesto also explores strategies to add value to waste bricks, enhancing their usefulness in architectural applications. Additionally, it will investigate potential factory and process improvements that could reduce the incidence of waste bricks from the outset, thereby promoting more sustainable manufacturing practices. By addressing these aspects, the research seeks to contribute to the development of more efficient and eco-friendly brick manufacturing methodologies..

The extraction, processing, and wasteful use of material resources in the built environment is central to the climate crisis. While decarbonization is often approached as a purely technical question, decision-making frameworks in the discipline of architecture are deeply rooted in histories of colonization, material culture and power.

Using discarded bricks, we are constructing vessels that serve both as gathering spaces for people and as storage units for the very materials being reused. These structures become sites of interaction, reflection, and inquiry—forming part of a market space where visitors can learn and engage. As with the previous project, the design relies on prefabricated panels that come together to form a modular unit, allowing for continuous and adaptable placement across different sites.

Instead of closed-off programs, I've reimagined these activities to spill out onto the slab, while more private performance spaces are enclosed as micro-theatres within studio rooms, allowing users to walk by and observe. Skylights and larger windows, inspired by the existing ones, introduce a sense of openness and permeability. As users enter, they encounter exposed trusses and the possibility of movement towards the roof, allowing the building to be perceived as a single entity, with glimpses of activity visible from the outside. Inside, the space transforms into something open and distinct, offering a reflection of its past while embracing its current form. The interplay of old brick and new steel beams highlights the contrast between the past and present, inviting users to appreciate both.

Aspen trees are generally considered uneconomical for commercial milling due to their small diameter. Typically, only logs with a diameter of 14 inches or more are used—for example, in applications like veneer, plywood, and interior construction. However, when properly treated, aspen can also be used in exterior applications.

An important point to note: according to the Tree Removal Guidelines by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), trees under 14 inches in diameter can be removed without a permit for fire prevention and creating defensible space.

While it functions primarily as collective housing, it also incorporates warehouse and storage space. This dual-purpose setup supports hands-on practices in alternative construction methods and creates opportunities for teaching, experimentation, and knowledge exchange—particularly around current issues and innovative approaches to building with waste wood.