architecture

New Open Source WAAM Framework Could Reducing Costs of Robotic 3D Printing

Researchers have developed an open source architecture for Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing, “WAAM”. WAAM is a popular 3D printing process, particularly for large-format devices. The idea is to feed standard welding wire feedstock to a toolhead, where a high-energy electrical arc instantly melts the metal. The toolhead is mounted on a robotic arm, which moves… Continue reading New Open Source WAAM Framework Could Reducing Costs of Robotic 3D Printing

Book of the Week: Construction 4.0

This week’s selection is “Construction 4.0: An Innovation Platform for the Built Environment” by Anil Sawhney, Michael Riley and Javier Irizarry.

Innovations in 3D Printed Buildings

Could 3D printing really be used to solve the global housing crisis? Recent breakthroughs in the technology show we might not be that far off.

Design of the Week: Morphologic

This week’s selection is Morphologic, by the team of Chien Shuo Pai, Alberto Herrera Salas, Nishanth Peethala and Zhu Kele. Their purpose was to develop a structure that could become an architectural component. In the image you can see a miniature version demonstrating how the basic component can be recombined into potentially colossal structures.   … Continue reading Design of the Week: Morphologic

Freeform 3D Printing with an Undo Ability

The Suspended Deposition Project, Brian Harm’s new 3D printing concept, is built to change the way architects create and design structures. According to Harms, “This project aims to blur the line between processes of design and fabrication in the context of rapid prototyping by increasing the fluidity of the fabrication process through coordinated material and… Continue reading Freeform 3D Printing with an Undo Ability

Digital Grotesque: A 3D Printed Room

In July of this year Digital Grotesque will launch. It’s a project to produce “an elaborate, fully-enclosed room that is entirely 3D printed.”    Computational architects Benjamin Dillenburger and Michael Hansmeyer designed Digital Grotesque and exhibited a 1:3 scale prototype at the recent 2013 Swiss Art Awards in Basel. They hope to produce a full… Continue reading Digital Grotesque: A 3D Printed Room

An Interview With Neri Oxman

We’ve discovered a lengthy interview with 3D artist and research Neri Oxman of the MIT Media Lab, whose astounding explorations into radical structures using 3D printing have been featured here previously. In the 2200 word interview, published in Material Connexion, Oxman explains much of her 3D printing and artistic philosophy.   We noted some highlights: … Continue reading An Interview With Neri Oxman

Ghana Social Centre Aided by 3D Printing

A terrible storm in Ghana badly damaged the Catholic-operated community hall, resulting in the demolition of the ruins. The diocese contracted the replacement build to Munich-based architect Wieland Schimdt, who had to design a structure that used nearby materials, was environmentally friendly and was able to withstand the oppressive tropical heat – both structurally and… Continue reading Ghana Social Centre Aided by 3D Printing

Inspired by Biomimetics

We’ve previously written on research into the application of 3D printing in building construction. The idea is that rather than having a completely uniform interior geometry for building materials, we create variably shaped interiors. In other words, instead of bricks with solid or uniformly latticed interiors, more material occurs in places where more physical stress… Continue reading Inspired by Biomimetics

Add a Floor for only $129

There are tens of thousands of new web-based services that do practically everything, from counting kids’ allowances to photo editing to managing your sales process. One of them is FloorPlanner, “the easiest way to create floor plans”. They provide a simple web interface with drag and drop capability for true ease of use.    The… Continue reading Add a Floor for only $129

Sweet Onion Dwelling

The nice people at Sweet Onion Creations focus on building highly realistic 3D architectural models, often making heavy use of 3D printing technology. They’ve posted a video of how they go about the build process, which combines advanced 3D printing with many conventional model building techniques. In the video they construct an amazingly detailed model… Continue reading Sweet Onion Dwelling

Designing Interface Architecture

FABberz and the Live Architecture Network are collaborating on a new venture to bring design tools to students in Brazil. Their idea: produce collaborative designs with residents and students to improve housing conditions in the slums of Rio de Janeiro. They’ll be holding a series of workshops leading up to the 2016 Olympics, which are… Continue reading Designing Interface Architecture