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The introduction of highly sophisticated computer
modelling technologies has meant that designing
the shape and form of a building is now only
limited by an architect's imagination.
Leading architectural practices such as Foster
+ Partners, are designing buildings to a level
of geometrical complexity unheard of ten years
ago.
However, while these forms can often be achieved
through offsite factory-based manufacturing
techniques, there are significant limits to
the levels of intricacy attainable.
For example, pouring concrete into a formwork
can go some way to fulfilling these ambitions
but the reality is that the achievable complexity
is still limited.
The manufacturing processes required to turn
these complex building designs into reality
have remained elusive, until now.
This may be about to change if current research
by scientists at Loughborough University comes
to fruition.
The research group has been inspired by 3D
printing, an additive manufacturing process.
Here, information created from computer generated
models is exported to a machine which then
builds up a model or a component, layer by
layer. The virtual model is, in effect, materialised.
At Loughborough, instead of using powder and
glue they are experimenting with concrete
to create large-scale building components.
The research here, Loughborough University
gives us tremendous opportunities. We are
able to have a little peek into future to
see what construction technology will be in
the next five or ten years.
Concrete printing works on the basis of a
highly controlled extrusion of a cement based
mortar which is precisely positioned according
to computer data.
The process has the potential to create architecture
that is more unique in form, but crucially,
components do not have to be made from solid
material and so can use resources more efficiently
than traditional techniques.
We have shown how additive manufacturing can
be developed to create large structures such
as panels or walls with precisely controlled
voids within them.
For example, the section which you can see
being manufactured here could incorporate
all the service requirements of a building,
such as pipes and cables in one unit.
This process is capable of producing building
components with a degree of customisation
that has not yet been seen. It could create
a new era of architecture that is adapted
to the environment and fully integrated with
engineering function.
Imagine whole sections of a building being
printed and then assembled on site with their
service provision already installed.
Above all, imagine a building whose form and
scale could take on limitless possibilities.