The Tectonic Use and Effect of 3D Printing in Construction Scale

Nowadays, robotic technology and 3D (three dimensional) printing technology are contributing to several manufacturing industries. In the building construction, the 3D printing technique is an alternative construction method that getting attention from construction companies and developers. There is a great transformation in the way structural systems and materials are used due to the development of this century new design and production possibilities; specifically, in the production process in which robots are used. As a matter of fact, 3D printing technology has numerous advantages to people, architects, engineers, and governments trying to develop their countries. Due to its promising results, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has considered the 3D printing technology to be used on Mars. This thesis deals with the tectonics use and effect of 3D printing technology in the architecture and construction sector. The aim of this study is to develop the relationship between robotic productions and architecture, which became noticed recently and more obvious with the emerging of 3D printer technologies. In this context, one of the objectives of this thesis is reconsidering the architecture vision and investigates the way tectonic formation of the buildings built with a 3D printer. To answer the question of where architectural tectonics developed along with design and production examples, it is gained importance to investigate the conceptual meaning of 3D production and tectonics through examples representing the 21st century architectural language. In this context, three 3D concrete printed building selected. Both they are located in the “Gulf Region” of Middle East. The selected examples are analyzed from tectonic point of view considering different theorist’s theories (like artistic value of structure, montage, art of joints, and stereotomics). In addition, the effects of 3DCP technology, which seems to increase the time, cost and sustainability of building construction, have been evaluated in this context. This way of construction gives flexibility and freedom to the architectural design and engineers to build our future environment. Keywords: additive manufacturing, 3D printing, tectonics, 3D concrete printing.