Building Resilience: The Future of Adobe in Fire-Prone Areas

In this episode, we welcome Ben Loescher, founding principal of Loescher Meachem Architects [https://adobeisnotsoftware.com/], to discuss the viability of adobe construction in rebuilding efforts in Los Angeles following devastating wildfires. We also share an excerpted discussion between Marysia Miernowska, Director of the School of Sacred Wild and Dastan Khalili, President of the Cal-Earth Foundation, and a short clip from architect and artist Ronald Rael, who teaches architecture at UC Berkeley. His piece, Adobe Oasis, premiered the other day at DesertX Land Art Exhibition in Palm Springs. We delve into the potential of alternative materials, yes, adobe and other earthen constructions, as sustainable solutions for future building projects. Loescher shares insights on the importance of adaptive reuse, the challenges of current building codes, and the vital relationship between architecture and the environment. Join us for an enlightening conversation about how we can construct a more sustainable future. Support the Podcast via PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LBGXTRM292TFC&source=url For an extended interview and other benefits, become an EcoJustice Radio patron at https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio Resources: Mud Man Short film: https://adobeisnotsoftware.com/mud-man/ Marysia Miernoska interview with Dastan Khalili: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE5zmtuyGqV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Ronald Rael short clip: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGGvLobi_Bp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Ben Loescher is a founding Principal at Loescher Meachem Architects [http://www.lmarchitectsinc.com/] where his work focuses around reuse of existing buildings, high performance workplace design for the film, television and media industries, and innovation in earthen construction. Ben provides education for earthen building through his website AdobeIsNotSoftware.com [https://adobeisnotsoftware.com/], is currently Chair of the Earthbuilders’ Guild, the U.S. trade association for earthen construction and a board member for Adobe in Action, a New Mexico based non-profit focused on assisting individuals in creating affordable earthen housing. Jack Eidt is an urban planner, environmental journalist, and climate organizer, as well as award-winning fiction writer. He is Co-Founder of SoCal 350 Climate Action and Executive Producer of EcoJustice Radio. He writes a column on PBS SoCal called High & Dry [https://www.pbssocal.org/people/high-dry]. He is also Founder and Publisher of WilderUtopia [https://wilderutopia.com], a website dedicated to the question of Earth sustainability, finding society-level solutions to environmental, community, economic, transportation and energy needs. Podcast Website: http://ecojusticeradio.org/ Podcast Blog: https://www.wilderutopia.com/category/ecojustice-radio/ Support the Podcast: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LBGXTRM292TFC&source=url Executive Producer and Host: Jack Eidt Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats Episode 255 Photo credit: Loescher Meachem Architects