EARTH TURNS TO GOLD — The Art & Philosophy of Nader Khalili & CalEarth

As part of The Philosophical Research Society’s series Philosophy of Design, 7th House is proud to welcome filmmaker, poet, and president of the renowned California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture (CalEarth), Dastan Khalili, for a screening of his feature documentary EARTH TURNS TO GOLD (2009).

In his intimate documentary, Dastan’s father, visionary architect Nader Khalili (1936–2008), takes us through his life’s work in his own words—offering a direct, unmediated introduction to the principles and possibilities of earth architecture. As founder of the California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture (CalEarth), a pioneer of earth-based building systems, and creator of the coiled earthbag (SuperAdobe) construction system, Nader guides us through his “Alpha Principles”—earth, water, air, and fire—conceived as elemental forces shaped into arches, vaults, and domes: the fundamental forms of a universal architectural language.

Part lecture, part demonstration, the film foregrounds Nader’s voice as both teacher and visionary, weaving together philosophy, technical insight, and lived experience. What emerges is a radically accessible approach to building—one rooted in the materials beneath our feet, where as much as 90% of what is needed to construct a home can be sourced directly from the earth itself.

Born in Iran and shaped by a transnational education, Nader Khalili turned away from conventional practice in search of more elemental forms of shelter. His journeys through his homeland’s rural desert landscapes—studying ancient dwellings built in quiet accord with earth and climate—became the foundation for a lifelong inquiry into architecture as both necessity and art. From these roots emerged his SuperAdobe system, which he brought to wider attention through proposals for lunar habitation presented to NASA. His inventions in accessible, sustainable earth design went on to receive international recognition, including honors from the United Nations and the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

Through Nader’s teachings, EARTH TURNS TO GOLD articulates a vision of shelter that is sustainable, non-toxic, and ecologically attuned—structures designed not only for harmony with the natural world, but for resilience against fire, flood, earthquake, and displacement. Deeply influenced by the writings of Rumi, his work frames architecture as a form of embodied poetry—“poetry crystallized into structure”—where ancient wisdom meets urgent contemporary need.

Following the screening, director Dastan Khalili will join us for a discussion on CalEarth’s ongoing work and the enduring relevance of these ideas today.

Dir. Dastan Khalili, 2009, 88 mins, United States, English, Unrated, Digital.

Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.

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With some exception, The Philosophical Research Society’s 7th House Screenings does not typically provide advisory warnings about potentially upsetting content or subject matter, as sensitivities are particular to each viewer. Please be sure to read event listings, research on the web, or visit Common Sense Media, IMDb, and DoesTheDogDie.com for thorough info on content and age-appropriateness. If you have any specific content advisory questions, please email [email protected].

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The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed within exhibited works are solely those of their creators and may not represent those of the Philosophical Research Society (PRS), its affiliates, or any individuals associated with PRS. Screenings are intended for educational and entertainment purposes.

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