#1062: Performing sustainability in construction through 3D printing with clay

The construction industry produces around 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions and faces major decarbonization challenges. Digital fabrication methods such as robotic clay extrusion offer opportunities to support sustainable construction and learning. However, little is known about how young people engage with sustainability through such technologies. This qualitative video-based study, grounded in constructionist and socio-material perspectives, examined how youth aged 11–17 explored sustainability in construction using clay and 3D pen extrusion during an after-school course. Findings show that clay enabled learners to engage with multiple aspects of sustainability, supported by its material properties, particularly the smooth clay-water mixtures central to digital design and extrusion. In contrast, 3D pen extrusion mainly fostered rapid prototyping and early planning. The performative, material qualities of clay encouraged deep physical exploration, suggesting that introducing digital clay extrusion can cultivate a material-driven understanding of sustainability in construction from an early age.