The City as Canvas, Architecture as Painting

Abstract

Developments in the field of 3D printing and robotics are promising, however the technology still has a long way to go. This does not mean that method, material and machine have to be reinvented entirely. By looking at existing techniques and combining them with new methods, it is possible to expand our understanding of these new technologies. Architecture as painting is a new method imagining an architecture in which a materialized atmosphere does not need to be subdued to constraints in production. The method is an interpretation of the existing 3D printing techniques and robotic manufacturing. Through intuitive experiments inspired by painting techniques I seek to accelerate and expand our knowledge of 3D printing methods for architectural purposes and elicit a reaction in the field of material science, programming and mechanical engineering, physics and chemistry. This research is an exploration of different painting techniques such as pointillist, impressionist, expressionist and action painting. When comparing 3D printing methods with painting, resemblance can be found on the level of material blending techniques, stroke and brush types, layering technique and bodily movements of the painter. Here the focus lies on the application of reusable plastics and exploiting the architectural potential of 3D printing. An advantage of this additive process is its architectural freedom. At the same time plastic materials enable modification of material properties through additives. The research proceeds from a hypothetical material. Determination of the material property requirements per building function give a preliminary indication of needed scientific development. At the same time the design visualizes what this new kind of architecture might entail and how it adds value to the architectural practice.