“The Architecture of Ecology” Monday, October 27th, 5:00p.m. est EMPAC Theater Rensselaer Architecture continues its fall 2025 lecture series Monday, October 27 at 5p.m. est with the lecture “The Architecture of Ecology” by Barry Wark. Born in Scotland, Barry Wark is an architect and designer who combines his New York-based design studio with research and teaching activities at the Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania. The origin of his practice is deeply rooted in his hometown of Glasgow, where the climate and gritty qualities of the city nurtured his sensibility for eco-centric architecture. Barry’s work has been published internationally in both physical and digital media, most recently being the cover of frame magazine, a leading international publication focused on architecture, interiors, and product design. Barry has given lectures and workshops about his research to architects and other design disciplines such as film studios and game developers. His work has been exhibited internationally, most notably at the Dubai Museum of the Future (‘Nàdarra’, 2023) and the Venice Biennale (‘Printed Parts’, 2022). ‘Nàdarra’ gives form to the evolving conversations around architecture and ecology, considering the interconnectedness of all matter in the design of an architectural surface. It does so by utilising circular materials and 3d printing technology; celebrating the inevitability of vegetation growth and weathering on all buildings; and creating ambiguous forms that are both natural and artefactual at the same time, a reflection of our increasingly synthetic world. The project engages with the importance of materials and their life cycles in the built environment, employing advanced 3d printing sand technology, the parts can be fabricated, installed, and then recycled up to 8 times after use. Nàdarra takes advantage of 3d printing’s ability to create virtually unlimited geometric possibilities without the need for complex mould making. This has further environmental benefits as it therefore does not waste any material beyond what is used in the parts themselves during their fabrication. ‘Printed Parts’ addresses problems regarding the view that buildings should last ‘forever’ combined with accelerating technology and fashion culture is resulting in buildings less than 50 years old being demolished and put into landfill. Many of these buildings are comprised of toxic materials that released extensive amounts of carbon during their manufacturing and do not biodegrade after use. The project explores the position that buildings and their elements should have the ability to be reappropriated or recycled into new elements, to meet the needs of an ecological architecture. 3d printing with sand has the potential for elements to be made, installed, removed and turned to aggregates again. This premise is explored at the architectural scale and conceived as a parts-based system, allowing for ease of assembly, disassembly and reuse of some elements in other configurations. https://www.barrywark.com/