Make is a different kind of architecture firm, aiming to "design the world's best buildings, places, and spaces." Make's Ultimaker 3D printers support the studio's democratic design culture, allowing the model-making team to print thousands of models each year – from concept to large-scale backdrops.
. Model Making Before 3D Printing
Before using 3D printers, Make relied on traditional model-making methods; typically using foam (polystyrene or other plastics) and cardboard, cut by hand, and wooden models. However, this was a time-consuming process.
Paul Miles, Make's Model Manager, emphasized: "We still have a woodworking studio, but moving large pieces of wood is a very cumbersome task; and the noise and dust generated cannot compare to the clean environment and quiet operation of 3D printers."
. Time and Cost Savings
To date, almost all of Make's architectural designs begin on the Ultimaker print platform. 3D printers are even used for large-scale research; for example, the team recently completed a 1:1000 scale city model of East London, reconstructing one kilometer of the city, printing 850 buildings, precisely positioned on a one square meter base.
Thanks to 3D printing, this large-scale research model cost only £2,000 (approximately NT$80,000) and took just two weeks to complete.
Until a few years ago, Paul had to commission other suppliers to build such models out of wood, typically costing £20,000 (approximately NT$800,000) and taking six weeks to complete. Now, with just a set of Ultimaker 2+ and Ultimaker 3 printers, Paul's team produced hundreds of individual building structures in two days. And the cost? Just $2,000 (approximately NT$60,000) for labor and materials, completed in just two weeks. While saving 90% of time and cost would already be a game-changer for most businesses in terms of ROI, Paul believes this is just one of the biggest benefits. For him, the true value of using 3D printing for models encompasses much more.
Designers used 3D printed models to reshape the West End landmark: LSQ London, while preserving its original appearance.
By uncovering the site's potential with an elegant curved roof, Make Architects won the Metal Construction Design Award in 2017.
. Supporting the Studio Culture
Ultimaker printers play an important role in Make's studio, where every employee is taught how to use the model room's 3D printers and build their own designs. Paul says, "This would not be possible without Ultimaker's easy-to-use operating system; Ultimaker Cura and the entire printer system allow anyone to print 3D designs. The simple workflow, with preset material configurations and files, is undoubtedly a huge advantage." This is extremely helpful for designers, who can quickly print, modify, and replace 3D models to test site constraints and bring concepts to life.
Using 3D printed models allows one to see actual results and fine-tune the structural aesthetics of a building.
Designers, architects, and clients can make important creative decisions based on accurate and cost-effective models.
To this end, designers print rough "3D sketches" to find the aesthetic limits of a space. Scale, volume, mass, proportion, and orientation are all important variables to explore. When designing the optimal building for a site, they need to consider these rigorously; then, each structure is examined against the surrounding urban landscape to ensure the outcome is harmonious with the environment, adaptable to human activities, and even casts the correct shadows.
Paul explains that the same experience cannot be achieved on a 2D computer screen; 3D printing concept models allows everyone – from architects to clients – to directly overlook, reposition, and feel the building. 3D printing, used for conceptual samples and showcasing post-processed models, has become an indispensable part of Make's design development. Almost every year, they have nominated projects – some of which continue to win awards; for example, their St James's Market design recently won the 2018 RIBA London Award.
.Globally Connected Digital Productivity
With cross-timezone studios in Sydney and Hong Kong, Make's 3D printing workflow can operate 24/7, increasing productivity; before deadlines, global teams can assist with 3D design. Paul adds, "There's a lot of traffic between offices. We might set up files in London and print in Sydney or Hong Kong. It's an integrated engineering effort, not isolated studios."
Make architects use their 14 Ultimaker 3D printers to create 3D models and research site limitations.
Ultimaker Cura's simple yet powerful interface allows every employee to participate in Make's 3D printing efforts.
Over the years, the model-making team's reliance on Ultimaker printers has steadily increased. After their first two printers became popular with colleagues in 2014, Paul quickly expanded to four, then eight; now, there are a total of 14 printers, allowing the team to create various model projects. Paul says, "When using multiple Ultimaker 3 printers, Cura Connect makes it easy to track printers and their status. I even log into the network from home and check print progress from there."
.Achieving Excellence Through 3D Printing
As 3D printing is now embedded in the workflow, Ultimaker printers have become an effective tool for the team; through this technology, combined with spray painting and laser cutting, Paul's team focuses valuable time and attention on the overall presentation of the models. Currently, 14 printers meet their needs. But Paul states, "If we need 100 Ultimakers in the future, we will undoubtedly set up 100."
To learn more about how 3D printing can benefit your work, you can refer to our other articles; or if you already have great ideas, we also provide high-quality printing services. In the future, we will continue to share various manufacturing methods and information related to the latest technologies, so please stay tuned.
Original link: https://ultimaker.com/en/stories/52690-make-architects-from-3d-print-to-award-winning-building