Concrete Choreography

Balancing structural efficiency and material reduction was key to optimizing a mushroom column for 3D-printed concrete—an emerging innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional construction methods. 3D printing allows for precise material distribution, minimizing waste while enabling complex geometries that would be difficult or inefficient to achieve with conventional formwork.
Designed to transfer load from its cap to its stem, the column withstands immense compressive forces while mitigating buckling risks. To enhance performance, a taxonomy of design variations was developed, adjusting rib angles and quantities based on stress line analysis in Karamba within Grasshopper. Each iteration was evaluated for material efficiency, load capacity, and mass displacement, leading to an optimized configuration.
Fabrication was limited by time, budget, and technological constraints, resulting in a partial prototype. Despite this, the research highlights the potential of 3D-printed concrete, demonstrating how digital fabrication can reduce material consumption, improve structural performance, and push the boundaries of more sustainable construction.