O processo de projeto digital como método de investigação da aplicação da impressão 3D na arquitetura

Abstract

Contemporary architecture presents itself as a multidisciplinary field that requires crossing complex information, requiring the architect’s knowledge in other areas. The design processes become more influenced by computational technology and digital fabrication. The evolution in digital architecture research since the end of the last century has allowed the approaches of digital design processes to be mapped and categorized. This advance, based on the developments in parametric architecture, generative systems, and evolutionary architecture, have allowed contemporary architectural projects to achieve clearer goals than in the first era of digital architecture. Similar progress is observed in the potential of digital manufacturing methods, where the mapping and cataloging of well-designed strategies consolidates them as na extension of the building's construction possibilities. However, little was investigated about the recent impact of the 3D printer, as an exponent of new methods of materialization of the architecture. It was not analyzed whether the use of printers is related to the mentioned digital design processes, or if there are new methodologies proposing its use. This master's dissertation on architecture and urbanism aims to make a theoretical discussion about the architectural processes based on form-findind methods, through computational technologies, as well as in its integrations with 3D printing methods. The methodology consists of a bibliographical review of the concepts and authors, presented by researcher Rivka Oxman, on the subject of digital architecture, as well as a critical analysis of the 10 principles of 3D printing established by Lipson and Kurman. The case study of the recent adoption of 3D printers by architects is observed by the perspective of the digital architecture theories and the perspective of the principles classified by Lipson and Kurman. Recent uses indicate that the generative-system design process can offer a boost to the potential of the 3D printer. However, printing technology is still incapable to offer the benefits proposed in its principles, and to finally produce a materiality with real potential for the future user of the building. It’s use by architects requires greater knowledge about the technology than it is disclosed, often associating it with a procedure of automatism and unreal ease. The potential of digital manufacturing progresses is obtained with the association of subtractive, formative and additive methods, and that the last should not replace the formers. The additive manufacturing power in architecture is especially released using robotic arms. Finally, the development of a specific design process for the use of additive manufacturing is considered important, and there is a need for greater integration between the disciplines of design, engineering, materials sciences, mechatronics and related fields. It was sought to contribute to the implementation of a panorama that guides the contemporary architect in a design process, where 3D printing bridges the gap between the academic discussion on the theoretical concepts of parametricism, morphogenesis and evolutionary architecture, in favor of an effective application of these concepts in the contemporary architectural production.