Cob Club Paper Presented at DRS 2026

Researchers from the Centre for Print Research and the School of Architecture and Environment at UWE Bristol have presented their latest paper, Cob Club: Co-exploratory Earth Building Experiments, Foolish in Technique and Form, at the Design Research Society (DRS) 2026 Conference in Edinburgh.

Co-authored by Tavs Jorgensen- CFPR Associate Professor, James Burch, Nina Shoulder and Toni Amato, the paper explores the design and construction of an experimental pavilion using a novel technique of extruded cob manufacture. Situated between architecture, digital fabrication and material experimentation, the project investigates how earth-based construction can be reimagined through collaborative making and emerging technologies.

At the heart of Cob Club is the idea of design research as a collective process. Rather than following a fixed methodology, the project brought together academics, students, makers and facilitators in a series of open-ended experiments. Through cycles of architectural design, material investigation, fabrication and construction, knowledge emerged through direct engagement with materials, machines and making processes.

The paper argues that valuable insights can arise from what the authors describe as “foolish exchanges” — moments of curiosity, uncertainty and improvisation that challenge conventional approaches to research. By embracing experimentation and shared authorship, Cob Club demonstrates the creative potential of collaborative spaces within higher education and research environments.

Importantly, the publication recognises the contributions of student interns alongside academic researchers, reflecting the project’s commitment to co-creation and collective learning.

The paper was presented as part of the Relational and Situated Design Practices session at the Design Research Society Conference on 9 June 2026 in Edinburgh.

Read the full paper: https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2026.1927