3D printers are ubiquitous in architectural practices and education programs but are often used to represent preconceived digital forms rather than as source for developing formal or structural practices.  The research presented in this paper sets up a framework for the creation of tools that can inform the design process, and to develop a new formal and spatial language based on data loops that are part of digital fabrication pipeline.

This body of research identifies two characteristics specific to extrusion based additive manufacturing technologies as sites of investigation. Through the manipulation of digital feedback loops these characteristics are manipulated to demonstrate some of the ways in which they might inform the development of architectural surface and space. The characteristics and basic data loop manipulations are broadly described below.

The first characteristic is a stranding or banding of material the printer head deposits material in the designated path (Figure 1). This is evident in both large scale and small scale production, but more pronounced at architectural scale as the extrusion head is much larger with contour crafting technology (0.35 mm prototype vs 35cm concrete extrusion machine). In this research the effect of the banding is manipulated to create multiple surface conditions that gives way to create architectural elements in harmony with fabrication. This is achieved by creating a data-loop between input and outputs of open source slicing software algorithms and geometry generation software- more detail will be laid out in the research paper.

The second is a production of ‘scaffolding’ used to support the form as it is being built (Figure 2).  This is calculated by algorithms in slicing software and located where it determines support is needed, namely for paths that are beyond a defined degree off vertical. We use data-loop between input and outputs of the algorithm and geometry software to embrace, exploit, and exaggerate what is considered an imperfection in the process to inform resulting spaces. With the algorithm always working to optimize the location of structure in the most efficient manner, we can use it as a form of a feedback on input geometry as software attempts to duplicate computer model in physical, tangible materials.

The approach laid out in the research suggests a productive framework in which other design tools might be developed through the analysis of digital fabrication tools.  It expounds upon the parametric design explorations of the last decades and suggests a contemporary techno aesthetic in which design and fabrication play collaborative partners through the use of digital technologies.