There’s been a lot of excitement about the research taking place into printing habitable buildings. But these projects are just part of the picture. A select group of forward-thinking architecture bureaus are also using 3D printing to innovate behind the scenes. Their architects have been exploring the different ways 3D printing can deliver dynamic, colourful models of their designs for display, promotion and testing. While the technology has been relatively slow to establish itself amongst architects compared to other industries, it is clear that the possibilities are great.
3D printing demonstrated its full potential during the recent competition to design Friedrich Schiller University Jena’s new campus. Using an online portal implemented by RP Platform, Dresden-based architect Friedemann Rentsch commissioned a high-quality print of his design from 3Faktur, a leading additive manufacturing (AM) bureau based in Germany and Hong Kong . His design — incorporating around 18,500m2 of space — was subsequently chosen as the winner out of 88 competitors, with construction expected to be completed by 2019.
Friedemann Rentsch’s winning design
Why 3D printing?
3D printing originally established its reputation as a tool for rapid prototyping. In light of this, it’s no surprise that early adopters in the architectural field have found it is especially suitable for the intricate scale models utilised in their projects. The applications include:
- Providing an attractive 3D illustration of a concept design to potential clients
- Testing the model within a scale representation of its intended surroundings, so designs can be considered in context
- Creating different iterations of the design as the project evolves, with models created quickly, on an as-needed basis
Traditionally, these models have been made by hand — a process that could take several weeks for a single piece. Naturally, this limited the number of iterations that could be practically produced within a given timeline, creating a potential blockage in architectural workflows.
Modular 3D printed cityscape for Ernst Abbe Projekt GmbH
3D printing represents a logical solution to this problem, allowing multiple versions of a design to be produced quickly, in a variety of materials and finishes. Furthermore, the scalability of 3D printing helps to overcome the previous limitations on architectural models in terms of minimum size. This means low-cost models can be produced with minimal cost and effort at any project stage. Traditionally, models would not be presented at this stage, so doing so allows bureaus to instantly differentiate themselves from the competition.
The result: a faster, more energetic project lifecycle, ensuring the design can be finalised and approved for construction as quickly as possible. However, to achieve this, the technology must be effectively integrated into architectural workflows. Some architectects have invested in their own 3D printers. While this provides a high level of flexibility, it does depend on the technical knowledge of 3D printing available in-house. Others commission their models from specialist AM bureaus, which provides quick access to cutting-edge technology and professional expertise. On the other hand, this can potentially create bottlenecks, if the bureau are not able to deliver the models in the required timeframe.
So how can we combine the speed and flexibility of in-house printing with the consistent quality and in-depth knowledge of professional AM bureaus?
A streamlined AM solution, tailored to the needs of architecture bureaus
3Faktur are working with a number of leading architectural firms, providing them with detailed, high-quality models, generated using the full range of modern 3D printing technologies. Their projects include:
- Detailed interior models of buildings,
- Attractive presentation models for conferences and showcases,
- Sales and marketing tools that can be gifted to customers
- Large-scale models that can be used to visualise whole cityscapes.
Drawing on this experience, 3Faktur envisaged a new approach to delivering AM for architects — one that would ensure the world-class models could be delivered on time, every time, throughout every stage of the project lifecycle.
There were three primary challenges here:
- Streamlining the process for receiving and managing requests for printed parts
- Ensuring the file repair process could be conducted quickly and effectively, but without inadvertently introducing any changes to the architect’s model
- Identifying and eliminating any potential blockages in the project lifecycle
The solution came in the form of an online portal, where customer requests and the associated 3D models could be submitted remotely. Once they had been received, all project data could be imported directly into 3Faktur’s systems, the files checked for errors, and the project scheduling established. Architectural models could be delivered quickly and to the expected standards, whenever they were required.
To bring this ambitious concept to life, 3Faktur partnered with RP Platform — the London-based specialist in workflow management software for AM professionals. Their experience working with client- and industry-specific requirements made them a natural fit for this partnership. The project began with a period of intensive consultation, where RP Platform’s software was tailored to accommodate 3Faktur’s workflows. Once in place, the new system quickly proved its worth by aiding in the creation of the winning model for the FSU campus competition, as described above.
A new standard for architectural models
The partnership between 3Faktur and RP Platform bodes well for the future of 3D printing in the world of architecture. As complementary software and processes evolve to suit architects’ complex requirements, we will see more and more project workflows that create a space for creativity to flourish and innovative new buildings to come to life.
Leave a Reply