Over the past few years, physical models have gradually changed the architectural design process. For example, at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), desktop 3D printers have improved the daily iteration of design prototypes and enhanced the sense of three-dimensional space. They understand that increasing visibility and lowering costs make tangible printed models more accessible, facilitating design communication in a physical environment.
KPF has a research team responsible for evaluating the potential value of emerging technologies for the company's architectural practice. A key member of this team, Jerrod, closely follows 3D printing trends, assessing the current wave of new digital manufacturing technologies for the company.
"For us, the game-changer has been that industrial-grade desktop 3D printers are more accessible and affordable than in the past," Jerrod says. "Before, we thought of 3D printing as an expensive art, and the way our industrial 3D printers were set up in our office, it was an inaccessible process for us."
．Making Prototype Iteration More Accessible
KPF has expanded its capabilities beyond previously available industrial printing technologies, integrating twelve Ultimaker 3 Extended printers and six Ultimaker S5 3D printers into its offices. Their main goal is to support and expand, rather than exclude, the existing prototype iteration process within KPF's design culture.
"In the past, 3D printing technology couldn't keep up with the fast pace of our design team. Ideas flow constantly here, so we needed easier access to finished products and synchronization with our fast pace."
Using these 3D printers, designers have greater flexibility in obtaining printed results to match our design process.
KPF launched an internal testing program to explore the effectiveness of integrating Ultimaker 3D printers into its offices across five major global cities. From the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles to the Rosewood in Bangkok and One Vanderbilt in New York, Ultimaker has played a key role as a tool supporting the design process and bringing KPF's renowned diverse projects to life – shaping cities and making an impact.
The stability and ease of use of these new tools have opened up new opportunities for producing models and stimulated inspiration throughout the design process. The workflow is more seamless, with research and development, conceptual design, and detailed adjustments flowing smoothly, thereby linking internal and external communication more effectively.
KPF's new self-service workstations open doors to new design approaches and greatly benefit the company; bringing immense advantages to designers of various experience levels. "Recent graduates are very familiar with this desktop 3D printer technology, so many young designers rapidly climb the learning curve and are able to execute their plans with minimal training or support. Due to lower costs, the expense of printed models is not even a factor to consider."
．Utilizing the Latest and Best Parts of the Ultimaker S5
In April 2018, when Ultimaker launched its latest machine, the Ultimaker S5, it expanded the print volume and material support, providing an ideal desktop 3D printer for design studios.
Other new features, such as the filament flow sensor, high-precision multi-point print bed, and glass door, are very helpful to the KPF team. KPF was one of the first architectural design firms in the world to adopt these new features, and its New York and London offices were among the first to receive the Ultimaker S5 production machines. We are excited to discover how future architects will use our 3D printers to create impressive "tangible" design models!
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