EXAMINING APPLICABILITY OF FULL SCALE 3D PRINTING IN ARCHITECTURE

Abstract

This research paper examines the applicability full scale 3D printed architecture. With the introduction of Computer Aided Data (CAD) and digital fabrication in the construction industry, new design paradigms and methodologies have opened up for architects and designers. Using 3D printing technologies will change the way we produce things, faster, better and more precise. However, 3D printing, namely Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) at the building scale has several design and construction constraints that have to be reorganized. New design and construction techniques have to be explored and implemented in order for full scale 3D printing to be feasible in architecture. Evaluating several case studies that have explored 3D printing at the building scale and physical experimentations using BigRep and MakerBot. Henceforth, the partnership between Architects, Engineers and Contractors is essential to study 3D printing and its potential to redefine architectural tectonics and design paradigms.