Architectonic Explorations of the Possibilities of 3D Concrete Printing: The Historic Building Fragment as Inspiration for New Applications with 3D Concrete Printing in Architecture

Abstract. The scope of this one-year research, carried out within a graduation
studio consisting of 16 students, was to explore how this novel technique can
lead to the development of new architectural forms. The graduation-studio
called ‘De Centrale Gent, with 3D Concrete Printing’ explored the technique of
3DCP within the historical city of Ghent and through researching, designing and
testing by printing.
Fase 1: We investigated what the application of this technique could mean for
architecture itself, taking the historical facades of the city of Ghent as an inspiration
for the development of new printing techniques in 3DCP. We focused on
developing a design-‘instrumentarium’ that is specific for the concrete printing
technique, as well as on techniques that could push the boundaries of the so far
known possibilities in shape, materiality’s, and ornamentation with Concrete
Printing in relation to architecture. The research aimed to discover new aesthetic
and sustainable qualities in 3D-printed manufacturing, through 5 main topics:
light, joints, and patterns, supporting material, and assembling. The research was
developed at the Eindhoven University of Technology and the prints were made
with the 3DCP in the laboratory of the faculty of the Built Environment.
Fase 2: Printing prototypes: A selection of results and findings of the one-year
research in the graduation studio have been elaborated and collated into a new final
product and summary design for three columns, featuring new aesthetic possibilities
in 3DCP. The three columns were printed and exhibited at the DDW 2019