Moving Forward to 3D/4D Printed Building Facades

Abstract

Nearly Zero Energy Buildings will require high-performance building envelopes, though the building sector is currently a major contributor to the world’s energy consumption and related CO2 emissions. Innovative advanced materials, such as smart or functionally graded materials are being developed to better adapt buildings to environmental needs. This paper presents a brief overview of novel advanced materials for passive/kinetic facades. There is a great potential for 3D/4D printing building components to address actual and future built environmental challenges. 3D printing buildings are still in its infancy, several limitations and barriers need to be addressed, though architects and engineers must keep looking forward and the rise of 4D design could bring “life” to buildings.