Educating architecture students on precast: Employing additive manufacturing to recreate historic precast facades

Abstract

This paper argues that computational design coupled with additive manufacturing (AM) holds the potential to transform precast façade design and construction. Computational design empowers the creation of intricate façade forms, while AM facilitates their fabrication. In two distinct ways, AM is poised to disrupt precast construction: firstly, through 3D printed formworks (3DPF), and secondly, by employing AM to produce the positive reference pieces for mold making. This paper’s focus lies on the latter method, particularly within an educational context. It reviews a novel pedagogical approach that was implemented in a design studio at Illinois School of Architecture. This pedagogy bridges the past and the future by reinterpreting historical projects and reimagining them using today’s advanced technologies. The incorporation of historic precedents into education implies a practical approach to design thinking, especially in mold design and fabrication. The outcomes highlight the intersection of established construction knowledge with emerging digital fabrication techniques.