Ronald Rael (born 1971)[1] is an American visual artist known for his work in architecture, human rights and environmental advocacy along the U.S.–Mexico border, earthen architecture, and pioneering work in developing materials for 3D printing.
[3] He works independently, and operates collaboratively in the design ventures Emerging Objects, a "make-tank" that develops 3D printed materials, objects, software, hardware, as well as startup companies,[4] and Rael San Fratello, a social practice design based studio with the architect Virginia San Fratello.
In 2014 Rael San Fratello received the Emerging Voices award from the Architectural League of New York.
Their series, Bad Ombres v.2, was acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum as part of the Renwick Gallery's 50th Anniversary Campaign.
[16] His widely viewed TED talk on Borderwall as Architecture presents a "subversive reimagining of the US-Mexico border wall.