CLAY 3D PRINTING
Team
Indulekha Nair, Beatriz Tzung, Minghui Li, Pallavi Salecha
Studio Instructor
Jeffrey Inaba, Shaun McCallum
Year
2021-22
Type
Academic
As a further exploration of fire mitigation strategies, our studio experimented with 3D printing scaled architectural prototypes in clay, considering its fire-resistant properties. The aim was to understand the structural capabilities and nuances of working with clay as a material that could be easily and quickly replicated.
In circumstances where only partial funding is available from non-profit organizations or government schemes, we kickstart the project with communal kitchen incubators. By introducing these food hubs, our aim is to nurture a social culture. We started with stacking two simple prototypes to form a communal space. The edges were rounded to improve the self-supporting capability and reduce material wastage. The intersection of the two arms is further explored as a communal space with a central entrance. The openings carved out from the walls create seating areas connecting the interior and exterior.
Here are the 4 distinct pattern typologies we started experimenting with:
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The shell - outlines the form of our design. We notice larger deformity and fragility of clay in the shell pattern, which leads to failure of the double curved surfaces once the clay dries.
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Infill - creates a heavier base to support the top layers. This pattern shows similar results as the shell, but the infill helps reduce deformity.
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Weaved - a more compact tool path with higher compressive strength. This pattern uses double the material as shell and infill, but shows next to no deformity once the clay dries, hence complex shapes seem achievable using this method.
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Stepped weaved - creates a broader base and a tapering top for better structural stability. The stepping finally helps us successfully print a double curved self supporting arch.
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Taking the preliminary study forward, we looked into optimizing the use of weave and stepped patterns. For understanding the compressive strength of clay we explored various load distribution methods.
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Curved Buttresses - are able to support different arched panels.
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The irregular vertical load distribution in the Columnar option was an experiment for controlled chaos.
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Concentric arches would give us a structurally sound yet aesthetically pleasing outcome.
CURVED BUTTRESS
COLUMNAR
CONCENTRIC ARCHES
