Two Words: No Plastics — Making Buildings Plastic-Free

The District Architecture Center is pleased to present Two Words: No Plastics — Making Buildings Plastic-Free, on view from July 9, 2025, to September 25, 2025. This exhibition explores the ways in which companies worldwide are making impressive strides in the movement away from plastic-use in architecture, and how we as everyday consumers can aid in this cause. Plastic is intertwined with nearly every aspect of modern life, from the packaging of everyday goods to the construction of items like electronics, clothing, and furniture. Its versatility, affordability, and durability combined have made it an indispensable material in countless industries today. Architecture is no different from the rest of modern-day production, as plastic is used in many key components of building design. However, the accessible and enduring nature of plastics comes at a cost. Plastics are toxic and are taking a toll on not only the health of our planet, but on our bodies as well. Considering the harmful impact of plastics on our health, some companies have begun to identify ways in which buildings can be constructed without plastic. In fact, in 2022, UK company GreenSquareAccord completed construction on Europe’s first plastic-free affordable housing development. Other companies have taken the initiative to create new plastic-free materials to build with, such as tiles made from mussel beards, and other bio-based materials. The ability and desire to eliminate plastics from architecture is not just limited to larger companies. Whether a house needs renovation or remodel, or you would like to construct your next home completely from scratch, there are many tips and tricks as to how you can avoid plastic in future home materials. Join us in exploring how the architecture of the future can advance beyond plastics and learn why the move away from plastics is so crucial- for ourselves and our planet.

The District Architecture Center (DAC), in the heart of DC’s bustling Penn Quarter District, is where architecture meets the city. If you enjoy architecture, DAC is the place for you. The District Architecture Center houses the Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Washington Architectural Foundation. The Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects focuses on empowering its members, profession, and community to advance the value of architecture and design in Washington DC. As architects, we are agents of change, and we hope to invigorate our community to design a better future. The Washington Architectural Foundation is dedicated to educating and engaging the greater DC community, focusing on students, teachers, professionals, and the public to demonstrate the transformative power of architecture. The Foundation hopes to elevate the conversation about how the power of architecture transforms community. The District Architecture Center is where both these entities reside and presents exhibitions that reflect both these organizations’ goals.

Two Words: No Plastics — Making Buildings Plastic-Free was curated by Molly Watkins, Exhibitions and Programs Manager at the District Architecture Center. Molly also serves as the primary script writer and graphic designer for this exhibition. Rachel Radvany, Environmental Health Campaigner at the Center for International Environmental Law, serves as the consulting script writer. The layout of this exhibition was created in collaboration with the District Architecture Center’s Executive Director Mary Fitch.

The opening reception for this exhibition will take place on July 9, 2025, and following this reception, the exhibition will be open to the public every Tuesday–Thursday from 11 am-3 pm. The exhibition will remain on view through September 25, 2025.