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.