building AI architecture (2024)
We are increasingly seeing remarkable futuristic designs generated by AI empowered computers that tease our desire for the next generation of 2050 mid-century modernism. Combining this creative power with 3D printing’s ability to efficiently transform code into construction, we potentially have a new architectural avenue to explore.
As AI evolves it will allow us to comprehend huge amounts of information so we make more informed decisions: from sun angles to structural forces, and local by-laws. We even could live virtually inside the building to make sure we really know what we are committing to when we physically push the ‘print’, or for that matter, the ‘delete’ button.
However, at the base of these decisions must be cost: both financial and ecological, and the answer to this is surprisingly simple. We need to design buildings we know how to initially make (easy part) but also just as efficiently unmake that will allow us to harvest resources from unwanted buildings to create desired new buildings.
To achieve this, we need a primary material that is easily recycled with limited energy, which has suitable structural, weather resistant, thermal and aesthetic performance. Bio-based polymers (PLA) offer all of these qualities: transitioning from solid to plastic at just 200 degrees, a good strength to weight ratio, high thermal resistance and can be blended with other biomaterials such as wood flour to offer visual qualities from translucent to opaque.
The building would be divided into components that can be easily manufactured (and recycled later) off site in local print farms made up of 20-30 large scale, low cost (sub $20k USD) FDM 3D printers. By sequentially printing components in multiple machines over a 24hr production cycle the need for high speed and precision (sub 5mm) can be satisfied. Each print farm would also have the capacity to clean, regrind and dry old building components so the material stays within a closed loop, offering large-scale local recycling.
To test the viability a custom prototype was constructed which is capable of printing components 1.5m x 1.5m square and can be scaled up to 4m high. This was used to print the smaller scale models shown. The next iteration will explore 1:1 scaled building components to improve details such as window, plumbing and electrical installations. Reusable stainless-steel cables will be used to connect the components together and improve the building overall tensile performance. One of the most critical questions about using AI and 3D printers to make buildings is what will the people then do for a living? I don’t know the answer to this important question; however I hope people can contemplate the goals and purpose of their lives sitting inside a safe, efficient and beautiful building perhaps wondering what to build next time when it is recycled knowing it won’t send them nor the planet broke.
This research project has been supported by the MADE group at Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka and the New Zealand Product Accelerator.