German architect Anna Heringer has built a career over the past 20 years advocating for sustainable construction through the use of earth and traditional building methods, as opposed to energy-intensive modern materials. Her work emphasizes local resources and environmentally conscious design to reduce the construction sector's ecological footprint.

Heringer’s latest project, Campus St Michael in Bavaria, completed in 2026, embodies this philosophy. The centerpiece of the campus is Germany’s first weather-exposed, load-bearing rammed-earth structure. Its walls are constructed almost entirely from earth excavated directly on site, showcasing an innovative approach to sustainable building materials. Designed with circularity in mind, the structure’s earth walls can be returned to the ground if the building is ever dismantled, minimizing waste and environmental impact.

This approach is rooted in Heringer’s experiences in Bangladesh, where she observed how traditional craftsmanship and locally available materials can both foster sustainable development and support local economies. One of her most recognized early projects, the Modern Education and Training Institute (METI) Handmade School in Rudrapur, Bangladesh, utilized earth, bamboo, and straw. The school’s design established key principles of her work, combining ecological responsibility with community engagement.

Currently serving as an honorary professor of the UNESCO Chair of Earthen Architecture, Building Cultures, and Sustainable Development, Heringer advocates that sustainability should form the foundation of architectural practice rather than being treated as an afterthought. Her career reflects a broader movement within the construction industry toward materials and methods that prioritize ecological balance and cultural continuity.