Introduction

This chapter examines how architecture is shifting as designers start to adopt additive manufacturing as a powerful fabrication method in full-scale built designs. Current and emerging trends, such as a search for formal and spatial complexity, the use of ornament, and the search for sustainability, are discussed. In addition, changes in the design workflows, where information from the construction phase is readily and effortlessly available at early design stages, are reviewed. Key applications in the construction industry being explored at the moment are presented. Finally, the ten projects by AirLab are introduced as case studies to illustrate the potential of advanced manufacturing technologies for architecture.