One of the most exciting aspects of 3D printed architecture is how it allows us to free ourselves from the squares and rectangles that typically define contemporary buildings. Suddenly, all kinds of organic shapes are not only possible, but easy to achieve, blurring the line between structure and sculpture. The fact that a fascinating building like this book booth can be printed by robots makes it even more impressive.

Located in Baoshan Wisdom Bay Science and Technology Park in Shanghai, Book Cabin was designed by Professor Xu Weiguo of Tsinghua University School of Architecture and built by printing machines developed by his team. The booth adds space for reading, book sharing, book exhibitions and academic discussions to the city Pont des Arts space, a bookstore and venue offered by the Guanxi Normal University Press Group and ACC Art Books and Images Publishing.

From the outside, the hut almost looks like a huge lumpy piece of pottery, or perhaps a wasp’s nest made of paper. Each thin layer of printed concrete is visible on its exterior surface for a ridged textured effect, and a wall that curves to welcome you inside has its own interesting wavy surface. Designed using MAYA software, the cabin can accommodate up to 15 people at a time.

No rigid frame or formwork entered the construction of the Book Cabin. Two sets of robotic arms simply laid out the fiber-reinforced concrete material (specially developed by the team) one layer at a time until it completed the top of the domed roof. Each robot requires two people to operate, but only 4-5 people are needed to oversee the entire construction process, unlike the larger crews required for conventional construction. The cavity walls are filled with thermal insulation mortar, and the ceiling has a working skylight, so you can enjoy the fresh air and read in the sunlight.

“The design and construction of the Book Cabin shows that 3D printing, as a means of intelligent construction, not only saves materials and labor, but also has high construction efficiency and speed. of high construction, and can achieve irregularly shaped construction and construction, ”explains the team.

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Professor Xu Weiguo previously designed and developed world’s largest 3D printed concrete pedestrian bridge, which is also located in Shanghai’s Wisdom Bay Industrial Park. Measuring over 86 feet long and 12 feet wide, the bridge has a flowing shape inspired by the ancient Anti Bridge in Zhaoxian, China.

The professor’s team has integrated innovative technologies such as print path generation, digital design and advances in 3D printing as a robot arm with a printing tool that will not get clogged during long concrete printing sessions. It took 450 hours to complete and cost a third less than a conventional bridge of similar size.

Weiugo explains that “tThe pedestrian bridge design adopts three-dimensional solid modeling. The handrails of the bridge are shaped like ribbons floating on the arch, forming a light and elegant posture on the Shanghai Wisdom Bay Pond. The sidewalks of the bridge are generated from the shape of brain corals, and white pebbles are filled in the voids in the pattern.