Ana Anton, CheWei Lin, 2023
The prototype demonstrates a fabrication strategy for integrating inter-layer reinforcement during the 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) process, as well as straight reinforcement placed in vertically aligned channels along the outer shell of concrete columns. It represents a significant step forward in the practical application of reinforced 3DCP, with key advancements in material compatibility, design-to-fabrication workflows, and coordinated multi-robot production. An adaptation of this fabrication strategy is employed in the structural system of Tor Alva.
By incorporating features such as thin shells and hollow cross-sections, the system enables material-efficient structural solutions.
This column section embodies a sustainability approach for concrete construction—one that balances performance, minimal material use, and craftsmanship. It highlights the potential of using concrete more responsibly, where each printed component is purposeful, whether in load-bearing capacity, embedded functionality, or aesthetics.