Talk Series 40
3D-Printed Architecture as a Digital Delivery System: From a Construction Technique to a Project Operating System
Speaker:
Wael Kikhia
Summary:
This lecture provides a practical framework for the shift to digital delivery in architecture, positioning 3D concrete printing (3DCP) as a project operating system rather than a standalone technique. It is grounded in extensive field experience, with 50+ real-world projects delivered and managed across multiple contexts (Dubai, Saudi Arabia, China, and beyond), highlighting what actually works at scale. A brief opening note links better outcomes to spatial equity and simplified regulation, while recognising 3DCP can still deliver major impact without full reform. The session covers the operational stack: digital workflows, toolpaths and verification, materials control, QA/QC readiness, Structural/MEP coordination, and site logistics and handover, with AI as an enabler.
This talk was delivered online on 12 February 2025. Talk duration is 1 hour and 11 minutes.
Speaker Bio:
Wael Kikhia is a Syrian architect. And the co-founder of BTI, a 3D concrete printing company, and an architect with an MSc in Regional and Urban Planning and a BArch in Architecture. He is currently preparing to resume his doctoral research while continuing professional practice. Over the past nine years in 3D concrete printing, he has designed, managed, and delivered 50+ projects worldwide, with a focus on digital delivery, QA/QC, and scalable site operations.
CPD Details:
This talk is offered as a formal CPD activity for architects, mapped to performance criteria PC28 and PC35 in the Australian 2021 National Standard of Competencies for Architects.
A copy of the CPD questions can be accessed here. If you take notes in digital format during the video, you will be able to copy/paste your answers into the questionnaire at the end.
Upon completion of the video, a link to the CPD questionnaire will be unlocked. Submit your answers via that link to earn 1 formal CPD point and receive your certificate for record-keeping purposes. Note: The questionnaire link will only load if the video is viewed from this webpage. If you navigate to YouTube to view the video, you will not be able to access it.