Additive Manufacturing and Architecture

Model making has always been an important part of architectural visualization. According to Charles Overy, director of the Colorado-based architectural modeling shop LGM (lgmmodel.com), additive manufacturing is beginning to play a bigger role in creating scale models. Here’s his assessment of the tech for architecture.

TC: How do you use 3D printing in architectural modeling in relation to traditional methods?
Overy: It’s complimentary. We tend to machine the site. Then we print the detail items—the buildings—and place them onto the site. We started 3D printing because we wanted to reduce lead times and increase throughput over hand-built models. 3D printing is having a big effect, just as it is in the industrial shop, in making those models. It’s taking this age-old craft and turning it into a digital process.
TC: What kind of equipment do you use?
Overy: We have three Z Corp. (zcorp.com) Z510 printers running most of the time to create architectural concept models. These models are typically used for design review, internal studies and neighborhood approval meetings. We also use Objet (objet.com) and 3D Systems (3Dsystems.com) ProJet systems. We use them for processes when we need very high detail.
TC: What other technologies are used in architectural modeling?
Overy: We use CNC machining for terrain forms, typically milling 6- to 10-lb. urethane blocks. Our CNC machine is a 4 x 8-ft. overhead router. We also use laser cutting and engraving for pieces and parts of models from custom engraved signage to trim and wall pieces.
TC: What are some of the challenges in 3D printing for architecture?
Overy: Geometry processing. Architectural models are scaled down, typically to 1/100th to 1/1,000th of real-world scale. And unlike with mechanical parts, the architectural CAD geometry is not the shape of the model, so there is a good deal of work and expertise that has to go into the creation of an STL file for architecture. We realized this and we developed the CADspan automatic “shrink wrapper” for STL files.
TC: How has the recession affected the industry?
Overy: It’s given architects time to innovate and adopt new technologies. When you’re forced to reinvent yourself as an industry, there’s a lot of innovation and a lot of opportunities for innovation. What has happened in the last 18 months is the architecture profession, because of the recession, has had time to adopt 3D CAD. It’s only in the last few years that clients have specifically sought us for 3D printing.