ayala braidman uses rammed earth to leave a ‘soil signature’ in the judaean desert

this project by ayala braidman was born from her curiosity in one material: soil. called ‘desert tag’, the work explores the use of rammed earth to create a collection of transient objects, which together form a unique signature of the designer. 

images and main video courtesy of ayala braidman

‘I was interested in dealing with pressing soil into a solid object – a technique called rammed earth. the soil as a natural material without additives has very specific needs, the complete opposite of plastic, which knows how to take different shapes, thicknesses, flexibility and uses. I began to think of soil as a substance that could change consciousness, this led to the creation of a formal language – letters with which I can write anything,’ explains ayala braidman.

to create the rammed earth pieces, braidman designed a set of tools that she took to the judaean desert in israel. these included a manual press that could compact the soil into molds, giving the material a new shape. ‘wherever I went, I left my signature using the local soil,’ says the designer. 

the use of soil allows the objects to disintegrate and disappear back into the desert. the signature is a combination of rammed earth shapes and the shadow they cast. and so, because of how the pieces are arranged on the site, the complete signature can only be seen on a certain date and time.

project info:

project name: desert tag

design: ayala braidman

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.