Date of Award
Spring 6-3-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Architecture (MArch)
Department
Architecture
First Advisor
Marthe Rowen
Second Advisor
Heinrich Hermann
Abstract
Waste is obsolete. Standard building industry practices are harmful to the environment. Non-traditional construction methods were examined as alternatives. Circular design logic was the guiding principle in material choice. Additive manufacturing is a proven modern method for building construction. Research on 3D printing case studies revealed that recycled plastic is a proven material and readily available. Removing plastic waste from the environment and sequestering it in architectural components gives the material a new purpose. The component of focus was a building block for a wall assembly. Inspiration was taken from the hexagonal Basalt rock formations found near volcanic fault lines. The final design included interlocking hexagonal block pieces linked and stacked together to form a wall. Additional structural support is provided by driven pilings that pass through shafts in the wall blocks. A full scale assembly would use filament made from recycled plastic to print all necessary blocks. A kit assembly was proposed that included the quantities of each block type required to build an example structure plus additional store-bought hardware.
Recommended Citation
Larsen, Andrew, "WAST3D POTENTIAL" (2023). Masters Theses. 1085.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1085
Slideshow
Larsen.Andrew.ARCH.2023.Bibliography.pdf (161 kB)
Sources
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Included in
Architectural Engineering Commons, Architectural Technology Commons, Construction Engineering Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Policy Commons, Geology Commons, Structures and Materials Commons
Comments
View exhibition online: Andrew Larsen, WAST3D POTENTIAL