Exploring Architectural Language evolution as a consequence of 3D-Printed Concrete Technology

Abstract

The convergence of innovative 3D printing technology and high-performance concrete mixes introduces a potential paradigm shift in architectural design and the entire Architecture Engineering Construction (AEC) industry, addressing important issues like the implementation of Construction 4.0 (the equivalent of Industry 4.0 for construction) and Sustainability The ongoing research project forms part of an articulated interdisciplinary and international endeavour at the intersection of Architecture and Civil Engineering, with three funded projects aiming to define firstly a rationale for the industrial applications of 3D-printed concrete (3DPC) and secondly the architectural value of this relatively new technology. The research is conducted in collaboration with an industrial partner specializing in large-scale concrete 3D printing, making it possible to assess the feasibility of the research outcomes at the industrial scale. This article reports on the first phases of the research, consisting in the production and testing of 3DPC specimens with different types of concrete mix, and explores the transformative impact of 3DPC on the architectural language, considering its aesthetic, functional, and cultural dimensions. Through a literature review, examining case studies, theoretical frameworks, and prototyping, this paper opens a reflection on the implications of applying this innovative technology to architectural expression and spatial configurations.

Keywords

• 3D-printed concrete
• robotic fabrication
• architectural language
• materiality
• 3d texture