The Last Earth Benders is a contemporary reinterpretation of the ancient building technique of earth throwing, developed during the Timelab Summercamp in collaboration with three other participants. The project critically reconsidered how an automated fabrication machine could engage with the material it uses and the people who interact with it. Instead of defaulting to 3D printing as the primary method of digital production, the team explored which making techniques clay, soil, and loam could be best suited for—and what kind of machine could facilitate this process.
The result was the creation of the "soil spitter," a unique machine designed to work *with* the user, rather than simply functioning as a tool that "works for you." This collaborative device includes a physical interface using a drawing tablet and control pedals, allowing room for imagination and personal input during the process of clay throwing. This approach emphasized the relationship between the maker and the machine, offering a more hands-on and interactive experience with the material.
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