Sandy Curth

Sandy Curth is a Lecturer and PhD candidate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), affiliated with the Design and Computation Group. She leads the Programmable Mud Initiative, focusing on architectural additive manufacturing with locally sourced earthen materials.

• Educational background: PhD in Design and Computation (MIT), Master of Architecture (UC Berkeley), and dual undergraduate degrees in Physics and Anthropology (Bennington College).

Her research spans architectural design, material science, and computational fabrication. Key areas include:

• Development of bio-engineered local materials (Biocementation Program).
• Additive Energy: Thermally performative building elements using low-carbon earthen materials.
• EarthWorks: Zero-waste 3D printed earthen formwork for reinforced concrete construction.
• Life Cycle Assessment of earthen additive manufacturing systems.
• Robotic fabrication and structural optimization techniques.

Her publications highlight innovations in 3D printing with earth, circular construction methods, and climate-resilient housing. Collaborations include MIT's Digital Structures, Huang Hobbs Biomaker Space, and Center for Bits and Atoms.

Scientific Awards:

• 2019 Norman Foster Foundation Robotics Scholar.

Her work intersects academia with practical applications, including contributions to the Long Now Foundation's 10,000 Year Clock Project and community engagement like the annual Christmas Bird Count.