Sustainable Construction (2024-11)¶

The chapter underscores the urgent need for circular architectural practices amid escalating environmental concerns. It highlights how additive manufacturing and 3D construction can incorporate circular material practices and become relevant for fostering circularity within the built environment. The paper situates 3D printing processes in the current circular frameworks and proposes means to overcome the present downcycling of waste streams in construction and instead upcycle materials into novel building components. The chapter addresses key challenges in conceptualizing, implementing, and assessing circularity-driven strategies. Through in-depth analysis of two comprehensive case studies conducted at the Centre for IT and Architecture (CITA), the chapter provides a nuanced exploration of 3D printing's potential to fabricate architectural elements using recycled materials, with a focus on glass and lignocellulosic biopolymers. Positioned strategically within the overarching circular design framework, these case studies elucidate the complex dynamics between material sourcing, fabrication methodologies, and final performance characteristics. By proposing innovative approaches to material procurement, waste utilization, and the establishment of closed-loop material cycles, the chapter makes a significant contribution to advancing sustainable building paradigms. It offers invaluable insights into the transformative capabilities of 3D printing technologies in architecture, setting a precedent for future endeavours in environmentally conscious construction practices.