The Postgraduate in 3D Printing Architecture is a 6-month long intensive programme in the field of additive manufacturing of sustainable architecture. Between the use of advanced technology for construction and the desire to develop a holistic design approach to architecture, we engage with different areas of research that include robotic manufacturing, material research and performance-based design. The programme seeks to develop technological and architectural solutions in collaboration with Industry partners to answer the current needs and challenges of our habitat.

Techne 04 – Period

Techne 4 focuses on designing the print path for 3D Printing Architecture (3dPA). With a 45 mm print width, walls can include cavities, which save material, speed up drying, improve structure, and support climate control. These print paths are key features, not just “infill,” in large-scale earth 3D printing. Over time, three effective printing patterns … Read more

Techne Structure (w3)

TECHNE: W3 – STRUCTURE workshop asks students to examine the structural behaviors inherent in 3D printing with clay and earth. Our goal for this week’s workshop was to print the tallest single and double surface structure that will be assessed against performance metrics such as toolpath length, print volume, print time, weight, collapse height, and … Read more

Techne 5 – The Wall: From the 2D Period to Volumetric Explorations for Climatic Performance

After exploring periods in 2D and their capacity to deform, promising periods were tested in 3D to mitigate certain climatic phenomena and achieve various climatic performances, such as heat storage capacity of matter, ventilation, self-shading, and daylight allowance. Heat Storage Capacity of Matter To test this, a catalogue of deformation along 3 different axes was … Read more

MACHINE

The Techne 02 machine workshop, is meant to introduced students and part of the research team into the different print methodologies of 3D clay printers. Part of the workshop explores different nozzle sizes, seam strategies, and even geometries, that can be created with a simple cylinder. The purpose is to explore height, and geometrical difference … Read more

Valdaurra Forest Campus Proposal

In Valdaurra Labs, the design of 3D-printed earth walls needs to incorporate strategic grid/period deformations to optimize for natural light and ventilation. By adjusting the curvature and openings in these periods and grids, the structure allows for more sunlight to penetrate while improving airflow and maintaing the building cool. This strategic deformation allows for play … Read more