Jan Mehnert

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About

Jan Mehnert is a leading researcher at the intersection of sustainable architecture and advanced digital fabrication, with a core focus on earthen construction and additive manufacturing. Her work reimagines earth—one of humanity’s oldest building materials—through cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and robotics. In her highly cited 2021 paper, “Ten questions concerning the potential of digital production and new technologies for contemporary earthen constructions” (64 citations), Mehnert systematically explores how digital tools can overcome traditional limitations of earthen building, addressing scalability, structural performance, and environmental impact. She further advances this field with her study on Additive Manufactured Earth (AME), which examines the potential of 3D-printed and robotically fabricated building elements and components, demonstrating how ancient materials can be reimagined for modern, sustainable construction. Mehnert’s research is pivotal for students and practitioners seeking to decarbonize the building industry, offering a roadmap for merging vernacular wisdom with Industry 4.0. Her work not only highlights the technical feasibility of digital earthen construction but also its cultural and ecological significance, positioning her as a key voice in the global push toward regenerative architecture.