Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/New York
- 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Claying Architecture book talk examines clay and digital fabrication
Clay has a long history as a building material, but the book Claying Architecture: Making Machine and Material Kin looks at it through newer methods of making. Its launch at the Center for Architecture brings the editors and contributors together for a roundtable on November 4, 2026.
An old material in a new conversation
Published in 2026 by ORO Editions/Applied Research + Design Publishing, Claying Architecture gathers essays, interviews and projects by architects, designers and researchers. The collection considers clay 3D printing alongside robotic fabrication and construction techniques, connecting questions of research and theory with architectural practice.
The launch is a chance to hear that subject discussed by people involved in the book. Several of its 30 guest contributors are expected to join the editors and respondent, though the event listing does not name those additional participants. The announced format is a roundtable, rather than a hands-on class or fabrication demonstration.
Perspectives around the table
The four editors approach architecture through teaching, research and practice. Shelby Doyle co-founded Iowa State University’s Computation & Construction Lab, while Frank Melendez is a founding partner of bioMATTERS, a studio focused on 3D-printed and robotically manufactured biomaterials. Jonathan A. Scelsa is a founding partner of OP – Architecture Landscape, and Kelley Van Dyck Murphy is a founding partner of AVV A.
Respondent Lola Ben-Alon directs Columbia GSAPP’s Natural Materials Lab. Her work on earth- and bio-based building materials extends from craft and digital fabrication to life cycles, supply chains and policy, offering a wider context for considering how materials are used in buildings.
The roundtable
The book launch brings the editors together with respondent Lola Ben-Alon and several guest contributors.
2026-11-04 · Center for Architecture
- Roundtable discussion and book launch with editors Shelby Doyle, Frank Melendez, Jonathan A. Scelsa and Kelley Van Dyck Murphy; respondent Lola Ben-Alon.
Before you go
Wednesday evening
November 4, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Center for Architecture
536 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY 10012.
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Choose an in-person admission category
Admission is free for AIANY members and students with valid ID; general public admission is $15. Use the event’s registration link to sign up.
Getting to the Center for Architecture
Subway and parking
The Center is on LaGuardia Place between Bleecker and West 3rd Streets. From West 4th Street station, exit at West 3rd Street, walk east and turn right on LaGuardia Place. From Broadway/Lafayette, walk north on Broadway, turn left on Bleecker and then right on LaGuardia Place.
The Center lists Washington Square Village Parking and Thompson Parking Corp. as nearby garages. Washington Square Village has entrances on Bleecker or West 3rd between LaGuardia Place and Mercer; Thompson Parking Corp. is entered at 221 Thompson Street.
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Before you make a plan
Is this a hands-on clay or 3D-printing workshop?
No. The announced event is a book-launch roundtable discussion, not a workshop or demonstration.
Do students need to pay?
In-person admission is free for students with valid ID. AIANY members also receive free admission; the general public rate is $15.
Can I bring an animal to the Center?
Service animals are welcome. The Center does not permit pets or emotional support animals.
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Location & Google Maps
Center for Architecture
536 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY 10012
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.