of their large solar energy concentrator in Southern California in order to develop and test magma structures using lunar regolith stimulant, and we conducted several tests. As detailed in my paper, the solar energy easily melted and fused the regolith to the extent where we could create magma structures, ceramics, fused adobe and even magma fibers for potential reinforcing. I spent a few years pursuing Los Alamos, McDonnell Douglas and NASA with proposals and feasibility studies. In one meeting of top McDonnell Douglas management, when they were gearing up for a multimillion dollar proposal to NASA, I voiced my opinion that we could construct a life-sized lunar base in Death Valley for a fraction of the proposed cost of the feasibility study. Of course, this didn't go over well.

        I decided to start Cal-Earth Institute in California's Mojave desert to demonstrate these technologies independent of the aerospace industry and NASA. Our main focus at Cal-Earth was to construct full-scale prototypes and put them to the test in a harsh environment and seismically active zone to validate our work. It was time to leave behind the feasibility studies and actually put our buildings through the gruelling stress tests of local and national codes via the local Hesperia Building Department and ICBO review. Fortunately, along the way we found open-minded individuals who, while not accepting of any compromise, have been brave enough to assist us in taking steps to benefit the future of the nation and the world.

        We built and tested prototype shell structures of superadobe/superblock using unprocessed desert sand. We used the same timeless principles and materials in harmony with nature, but now applied rational engineering analysis. We worked as a team with P.J. Vittore, Ltd., which has extensive experience in large-span, thin-shell structural engineering (see the September/October issue of Building Standards for a jointly written article).

Thangavelu:     What came out of the Cal-Earth prototypes?

Khalili:     The Cal-Earth prototypes generated support from a wide range of individuals and organizations, world media attention, some projects and good community relationships, while operating on a shoestring budget thanks to the efforts of highly dedicated professionals and volunteers.

        As the research and testing program developed, so did our working relationship with the Hesperia building department, the City of Hesperia, and the local community. In the September/October issue of Building Standards, Hesperia's building official, Tom Harp, wrote, "When architect Nader Khalili first proposed constructing buildings made of earth-filled sandbags, stacked in domes, the building department was skeptical to say the least." However,

after the years of structural analysis and prototype testing, he reported, "Our skepticism had long since vanished, as we had seen this type of building meet and exceed the testing of rational analysis as required by our code."

        The Hesperia Recreation and Park District (HRPD) commissioned us to design the Hesperia Museum and Nature Center, not only as a project but also to demonstrate the environmental and educational benefits of these technologies. It is now under construction. Later, the HRPD and the city offered a 20-acre site to NASA for its Lunar Habitat program.

        The Earth One typology was developed for superadobe/superblock housing, of which a standard three-bedroom, two-car garage model home was permitted and is currently under construction for the mainstream marketplace.

        Other benefit projects are in different phases of construction around the world. Still functioning excellently are flood and erosion control systems prototypes at Hesperia Lake, where the lake's edge is lined by using the pumped superblock system, in which coils are pumped at a rate of 15 feet (4572 mm) per minute.

Thangavelu:     Has there been more interest terrestrially?

Khalili:     There is so much need, globally, for these technologies and for the many other ideas that are locked away under different patents by big organizations. We have dedicated our patent to those in need of assistance, as the result of disasters. The United Nations (UN) has now partnered their branch United Nations Institute for Training and Research with us, and together we are developing a program for training and response to natural disasters, emergencies and for reconstruction efforts. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees built 14 prototypes in the Persian gulf area after Operation Desert Storm. A few statistics from the World Disaster Report of the International Federation of the Red Cross will tell you just how great the need is for such programs. For example, more major natural disasters occured in 1998 than in any other year on record; forty of the 50 fastest-growing cities are in the highest earthquake zones; environmental refugees account for 58 percent of refugees worldwide; and the UN estimates that 80 percent of the world's population will live in developing countries by 2025. The costs in the U.S. alone between 1991 and 1997 of flooding, tornados and hurricanes was over $100 billion.

Thangavelu:     What would be the advantage of expanding the use of this technology in the U.S.?

Khalili:     The advantages are numerous, but first, let me ask you: Is it reasonable for a technologically advanced nation

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