3D-Printed Body Architecture

Some architects dream of 3D-printing houses. Some even fantasise about SD-printing entire cities. But what is the real potential of 3D printing for architects? This issue focuses on another strand of 3D-prindng practice emerging among architects operating at a much smaller scale that is potentially more significant. Several architects have been working with the fashion industry to produce some exquisitely designed SD-printed wearables. Other architects have been 3D-printing food, jewellery and other items at the scale of the human body. But what is the significance of this work? And how do these 3D-printed body-scale items relate to the discipline of architecture? Are they merely a 'distraction from the real business of the architect? Or do they point towards a new form of proto-architecture-like furniture, espresso makers and pavilions before them - that tests out architectural ideas and explores tectonic properties at a smaller scale? Or does this work constitute an entirely new arena of design? In other words, is 3D printing at the human scale to be seen as a new genre of 'body architecture'? This issue contains some of the most exciting work in this field today, and seeks to chart and analyse its significance.

Year

2018

Language

English

Publisher

Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, John

Editions

4

Pages

136

ISBN

9781119340218

Data source: Wikidata