3D printing architecture: Towards functional space frames

Felix Raspall, Carlos Banon

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

In architecture, the use of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies has been primarily limited to the production of scale models. Its application for functional buildings components has been typically undermined by the long production time, elevated cost to manufacture parts and the low mechanical properties of 3D printed components. As AM becomes faster, cheaper and stronger, opportunities for architectures that make creative use of AM to produce functional architectural pieces are emerging. In this paper, we propose and discuss the application of AM in complex space frames and the theoretical and practical implications. Three built projects by the authors support our hypothesis that AM has a clear application in architecture and that space frames constitutes a promising structural typology. In addition, we investigate how AM can be used to resolve architectural systems beyond structure and enclosure, such as data and power transmission. The paper presents background research and our contribution to the digital design tools, the manufacturing and assembly processes, and the analysis of the performances of the building components and the final built pieces.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCAADRIA 2018 - 23rd International Conference on Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia
Subtitle of host publicationLearning, Prototyping and Adapting
EditorsSuleiman Alhadidi, Kristof Crolla, Weixin Huang, Patrick Janssen, Tomohiro Fukuda
PublisherThe Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA)
Pages215-224
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9789881902603
StatePublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes
Event23rd International Conference on Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia: Learning, Prototyping and Adapting, CAADRIA 2018 - Beijing, China
Duration: 17 May 201819 May 2018

Publication series

NameCAADRIA 2018 - 23rd International Conference on Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia: Learning, Prototyping and Adapting
Volume1

Conference

Conference23rd International Conference on Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia: Learning, Prototyping and Adapting, CAADRIA 2018
Country/TerritoryChina
CityBeijing
Period17/05/1819/05/18

Keywords

  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Digital Design
  • Space frames

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