Date of Submission
Spring 5-8-2023
Degree Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Jeffrey Collins
Abstract
Architecture is about the careful planning and design of physical space or spaces. Traditionally, an architect spends their time designing with pen and paper, and making physical models piece by piece to understand and develop their building. A workflow that starts in the physical space and ends in it.
Designers today have a large skill-set with digital tools. This large range caters to speed and efficiency. Schools make an effort to teach students these tools, and with increase accessibility of these tools, anyone can pick them up and learn. With such an importance on the digital tool-set in today’s industry, the designer is forced to be fluent in these tools.
Today, we see the application of 3D modeling software or Computer Aided Design (CAD) in the primary workflow of designing a building. No longer does design start in the physical space, instead it is developed in the digital space. Architects are able to design and construct their buildings digitally to scale, allowing for extreme precision and accuracy. Here we begin to see a change in the dialogue between design and construction. As such, how do we strengthen this dialogue between the digital space and the physical space?
Traditional construction has a large impact on the environment, whether its through transportation of materials, the materials themselves or the construction of the building. While we have seen optimization in material usage and the construction process, we are still plagued with waste from the construction site. How can we make construction efficient and less wasteful and establish a direct dialogue between the design process and construction?
3D printing lends itself as the answer to this questions. 3D Printing has been around for decades, but the technology has recently seen a boom. Now 3D Printing technology is extremely accessible, and over the past few years we have seen a large increase in domestic use of this technology and even steps into large-scale industrial applications. This technology allows for a direct translation from the digital space to the physical space. At this point a design is one click away from being a reality. But, this dialogue is only part of the potential of 3D Printing in Architecture and construction.