Earth Turns to Gold: The Architecture of Nader Khalili and Cal-Earth

The Philosophical Research Society proudly welcomes Dastan Khalili, president of earth architecture institute Cal-Earth (The California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture), for a very special presentation on the life, work, and spiritual philosophy of his father Nader Khalili – the world-renowned Iranian-American architect, author, humanitarian, teacher, founder of Cal-Earth, and innovator of its signature “SuperAdobe” and earthbag architecture. Dastan will discuss Cal-Earth’s unique building systems, their roots in the poetry and stories of 13th Century Persian poet Rumi, and the ways in which they reflect Nader Khalili’s philosophy of poetry in architecture.

Born in Iran as one of nine children, Nader Khalili’s quest was to empower the world’s poor and refugees to build homes using the earth under their feet. Having received education in architecture and philosophy in Iran, Turkey, and the United States, he settled in Los Angeles in the early 1960s where he worked as an architect but, disenchanted designing parking structures and apartment buildings, returned to Iran in the mid-70s to study rural village homes that were closer to nature. In 1984, he presented his dome design (constructed of coiled, soil filled, cylindrical bags) at the NASA symposium, “Lunar Bases and Space Activities of the 21st Century” as a proposed building method for lunar colonies. His sustainable solutions to human shelter were subsequently published by NASA, and awarded by the United Nations, and the Aga Khan award for Architecture, among others.

Upon returning to the United States, Khalili became a prominent American leader on the value of ethically based architecture, where the needs of the homeless are considered above all else. Inspired by the mystical poetry of Rumi (whose poems he studied and translated from an early age), his architecture was distilled from the timeless principles of this universe and its timeless materials—the elements of earth, air, water, and fire, and has been described as “Poetry crystallized into structure.”

Today, Cal-Earth continues Nader Khalili’s mission to provide shelter for the world’s homeless and displaced persons, empower people to participate in the creation of their own homes and communities, and help preserve the planet that we all share.

This is part of our Philosophy of Design Series: This April and May, we celebrate the transformative power of design with a series of events examining the work of influential architects of the past. We'll explore how their unique philosophies and principles were reflected in their creations—works that not only shaped the way we view the world and experience space but opened up new possibilities for ways of living.

ABOUT DASTAN KHALILI

Dastan Khalili, President of Cal-Earth Institute of Earth Art & Architecture, began his study of earth architecture at the tender age of 4, accompanying his father Nader Khalili upon his quest for a sustainable solution to the housing crises in the world. He was at Nader's side during every step of the journey, learning and growing along with his father's groundbreaking innovations and discoveries.

Throughout his youth, teens and adulthood, Dastan has been part of innumerable architectural, building and design projects; as well as research, development, scientific and academic lectures and symposiums which culminated in the creation of the patented SuperAdobe earth bag technology and Cal-Earth Institute of today. He has also produced and directed several award-winning documentary feature films of Nader Khalili's work, which are an integral part of the school's educational curriculum.

Dastan Khalili is deeply honored and humbled to have the privilege of carrying on his father’s legacy and vision: global housing solutions which utilize sustainable materials designed to work in harmony with nature, the environment and humanity.

Visit calearth.org and follow Cal-Earth on Instagram

Tickets: $10 (in person event only)

Please email events@prs.org or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.

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