As the world pitches further toward climate collapse and with global capitalism seemingly in its death throes, there are far too many bad ideas circulating on how to build a better future. From mega-projects in the desert to colonialism masquerading as a ‘Board of Peace’, we have seen powerful people extracting more than their fair share of resources and autonomy. This is nothing new, but we at The Last Straw know that the tried and true methods of future-building have always come from below. This month, we explore examples of how localized, low carbon, and community-based models are an essential way out of the mess we’re in.
FIELD NOTES
The Line, a Saudi Megaproject, Is Dead
The Line is no more. Neom, the Saudi Arabian megaproject, made quite a splash when it was announced a few years ago. Perplexing claims about sustainability, high speed rail, urban planning, and sideways-ification made most people who watched the goofy press release scratch their heads. While forced displacement, human rights abuses, and environmental concerns are all reasons compelling enough to stop the project, the plug has been pulled mainly for financial concerns.
FIELD NOTES
‘They’re trying to get rich off it’: US contractors vie to rebuild Gaza, with ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ team in the lead
After years of genocide and destruction in Gaza, western leaders are jockeying to control the rebuilding process and profit off the billions needed for construction and logistics. Gothams LLC, the same contractor used for the notorious ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention center, is a frontrunner for these plans led by the so-called Board of Peace. Trump unveiled more detailed plans, which involved no consultation with Palestinians, at the recent World Economic Forum in Davos. We see yet another cycle of colonialism, warmongering, and capitalist extraction.
ECO-TECHNICS
Schools, airports, high-rise towers: architects urged to get ‘bamboo-ready’
We’ve all heard of mass timber, big glulams, and CLT panels – but rarely does one see structural bamboo. This tropical staple of low-carbon building is shooting into the mainstream and we think that’s pretty cool. It’s yet another way to ditch concrete and steel, can be grown quickly and widely, and doesn’t need intensive chemicals or fertilizers. The Institution of Structural engineers has published a manual to get architects, designers, builders, and engineers prepped for the technical aspects of structural bamboo construction, check it out here.
ECO-TECHNICS
Video - Farm to Wall: Building Sustainably with Arkin Tilt Architects
A quick intro to our friends over Arkin Tilt Architects: straw bale, high performance systems, localized building systems, and a true grassroots approach to architecture. As founding members of the California Straw Bale Association (CASBA), David and Anni have worked tirelessly to advance straw building as a viable and scalable model for decarbonizing the construction sector.
BIOSPHERICS
Rethinking energy-efficient buildings, from the ground up
Check out this article on the recent Bakar Labs symposium on low-carbon materials. Bruce King, of BuildWell, delivered a keynote on shifting dependence on traditional concrete to alternatives using hay and algae.
This study from UC Berkeley’s Center for the Built Environment outlines the cost effectiveness of several key low-carbon building materials, documenting their embodied carbon specs and potential for emissions reductions. While the study is specific to California, it’s a helpful roadmap in the effort to decarbonize the construction sector.
FIELD NOTES
Project Feature: Nairobi Waldorf School
Check out this school in Nairobi, built as a series of disconnected classrooms in the forest. The walls are made of two sheets of polycarbonate filled with leftover soil from the site excavation, giving students a front row seat to a dynamic world of bugs, plants, and roots.
As bad as things are getting, there are cracks opening up everywhere! Hold on to hope this month. If you ever find yourself near London (U.K.), San Francisco or Oakland (CA), or Green River (UT) let us know and let’s meet up!
See ya soon,
The Last Straw Editorial Collective
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Community Rebuilds is hiring a Construction Supervisor for April 2026. This role leads the on-site construction of six affordable, energy-efficient homes while managing safety, materials, schedules, and subcontractors. Applicants should be able to read blueprints, multitask, and demonstrate strong leadership and organizational skills. The supervisor trains volunteers and supports homeowners in meeting USDA Mutual Self-Help requirements. Moab-based nonprofit. Compensation DOE; housing available. Email your resume to info@communityrebuilds.org
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The Last Straw Issue 76, on Natural Building Education
How do you learn natural building? How do you teach it? In this issue our contributors trace the histories and the present of natural building education to figure out a way ahead.
Great articles about Bamboo construction and the Waldorf School project. Thx Gavin.