Mass Production of Building Components: Now It’s Possible

It’s a commonly known fact, that architects, just like any other group of specialists have used computer-aided design software for many years. On average, the resulting digital files are then changed into hard-copy plans, supporting traditional construction practices in the end.
Lately, the researchers in the College of Architecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology have been automating some processes that turn computer-based designs into real world entities. They work on developing techniques that fabricate building elements directly from digital designs. That allows to custom the selected components and manufacture them quicker and at low expenses. Apart from the tremendous increase in efficiency, the high-end customized architectural products are also going to be environmentally – friendly.

There are two separate projects in which the College of Architecture has taken part. The first involves creation of the award-winning building-element concept referred to as the “Liquid Wall”. The Georgia tech team used digital techniques to help produce a prototype wall, with ultra high-performance concrete. The second project, sponsored by Lafarge North America,  included the development of a complete free-standing structure with the use of ultra  high –performance concrete elements produced strictly from digital designs.
The Liquid Wall, originated by Peter Arbour from RFR Consulting  Engineers , based in Paris, won the 2010 Open Call for Innovative Curtain- Wall Design competition. The award-winning concept presented a new, advanced approach towards curtain walls that keep out weather and are non-structural and lightweight at the same time.