Space Between Lines: Diagrammatic Architecture and 3D Printing

Abstract

All forms of communication require a medium to translate abstract thoughts from the mind to an observable and measurable artifact. Whether it is through body movement, vocalization, drawing, making, or multimedia, all ideas rely on some form of medium to leap from the mind and into physical reality.

3D printing is an emerging technology being investigated and developed in many different areas such as medical, aeronautical, as well as in architectural fields. Using 3D printers, digital models can be physically fabricated quickly, giving the maker tactile feedback which can reinform the digital model for further iterations and variations.

In this thesis, an extrusion-based 3D printer is utilized as a sketching tool for the mind. Just as a pen and paper allow the architect to explore conceptual and abstract architecture and space through representations, the 3D printer and its software are used as a medium between ideas and its material reification.

Six interconnected exercises range from establishing an intuitive workflow with the 3D printer to exploring 3D printed diagrammatic architecture.