Workshop 05: Lamina: An Integrated Design-to-Fabrica6on Framework for 3D Concrete Printing in Architecture
Workshop provider:
Dr. Zayad Motlib, University of New South Wales (UNSW) – Sydney, z.motlib@unsw.edu.au
Workshop description:
Three-Dimensional Concrete Prin4ng (3DCP) is rapidly emerging as a transforma4ve construc4on technology, yet architectural design workflows o^en lag behind its technical advancements, limi4ng its broader adop4on. This workshop introduces Lamina, a software platform developed at UNSW, to bridge this gap by guiding architects to design for 3DCP through three integrated components: the assessor, op4miser, and generator. Par4cipants will engage in a hands-on design process that explores the opportuni4es and constraints of 3DCP, progressing from evalua4ng an ini4al architectural sketch, architectural and structural optimizationon, to toolpath genera4on (G-code) and the produc4on of optimised and printable 3D models. By embedding design intelligence directly into fabrica4on workflows, the workshop reflects a shift toward more resilient and technologically adept architectural practice.
Learning objectives
- Learn how to design for concrete 3D prin4ng
- Op4mise material quan4ty and prin4ng 4me
- Explore the new formal language offered by this technology
Method
Participants will ac4vely design and test through a structured and itera4ve design process.
Working on a house design, they will first assess printability, then itera4vely optimise the
geometry for structural performance, material efficiency, and architectural intent in response
to printer and material constraints. Designs are then ready to be segmented into printable
clusters, translated into G-code, and sequenced for fabrica4on. This con4nuous feedback loop
links design decisions directly to fabrica4on outcomes.
To accommodate diverse skill levels and disciplinary backgrounds, the workflow is introduced
through clear, structured presenta4ons that outline the overall framework and each so^ware
component. Par4cipants then progress at their own pace, supported by step-by-step guidance
and one-on-one mentoring, enabling both novices and more advanced users to engage and
contribute.
Expected outcome
Each participant would produce a simula4on model of their op4mised, machine-based,
printable design, and 2-3 rendered images of the outcome for an A1 poster.
Workshop Duration
1.5-day workshop on-site / hybrid
Daily breakdown
7th Sep.
9:30 -12:30 pm Lecture on 3D concrete prin4ng and Introduc4on to Lamina structure and
func4onali4es.
1:30 – 4:30 pm Tutorials (Design exercise and selected Lamina func4onali4es)
8th Sep
9:30 – 12:30 pm Projects implementa4on and preparing images for presenta4on.
Software and prerequisite skills
Rhino 8 and Grasshopper so^ware with Beginner / Intermediate skill level
