Negar Nazaralhouei
Constraints to The Adoption of Earth Building in New Zealand
Negar Nazaralhouei is a PhD candidate in the School of Architecture at Victoria University of Wellington. Originally from Iran, her research focuses on the constraints to the adoption of earth as a sustainable building material in New Zealand. With a background in architecture and over a decade of experience in the construction industry and academia in Iran, Negar has always been passionate about exploring sustainable alternatives in building practices. Her research stems from the observation that modern building materials have a limited lifespan, often seen as outdated or undesirable within a short period. This issue, which has been accelerated by globalization and the increasing dominance of industrialized materials, raises significant sustainability concerns in architecture. Drawing from the study of architectural globalization, Negar has narrowed her focus to one of the most ancient and sustainable materials: earth. Despite its long history as a building material, earth has been largely sidelined in favor of industrial materials like fired bricks and cement, especially after the Industrial Revolution. However, earth construction holds immense potential for sustainability, even in countries like New Zealand, which has established building codes for this method. Nevertheless, its uptake remains limited, and its advantages are often overlooked by key stakeholders and the general public. Negar’s research explores the reasons behind this hesitation, particularly through the lens of globalization, and seeks to understand the barriers that prevent the widespread adoption of earth as a building material in modern construction. Her aim is to uncover these underlying constraints and contribute to a deeper understanding of sustainable architectural practices. Alongside her PhD studies, Negar has been a tutor at Victoria University of Wellington for three trimesters.
Supervisors
Dr Fabricio Chicca & Guy Marriage
Conference Presentations
The Study of Adaptation and Sustainability of Materials Used in Sacred Buildings: based on the Realistic Theories of Nature’
Negar Nazaralhouei
ICAMA (International Conference on Adaptation and Movement in Architecture)
Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
2013
Qualifications
Negar Nazaralhouei holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Architecture from Iran University of Science and Technology. Recognized for her academic excellence, she was selected to pursue her Master's without the need for an entrance exam. During her studies, she developed a keen interest in bio-based architectural forms and materials, which shaped her research focus.
Her bachelor's thesis, titled "The Permanent Route of Impression; A Complex of Art Galleries," and her master's thesis, "The Design of Ahwaz International Airport with The Bionic Architecture Approach," were both rooted in her passion for natural materials and behavioral design principles. After completing her studies, Negar worked in architectural offices in Iran, contributing to several significant projects, including one that was nominated for the prestigious Aga Khan Award in Switzerland.
Awards
* Recognized as an excellent student at Iran University of Science and Technology, 2011
* Contributed to the design and presentation of the 40 Knots House, nominated for the Aga Khan Award at Habibeh Madjdabadi Architectural Office, 2015