From Polymer to Earth: Designing with 3D‑Printed Materials 

From Polymer to Earth: Designing with 3D‑Printed Materials

Speaker:

Sascha Bohnenberger

Summary:

This presentation explores the expanding landscape of architectural 3D‑printing across polymers, concrete, steel, sandstone, and earth, revealing how each material opens new creative possibilities while introducing its own geometric, structural, and fabrication constraints. Through a series of real-world case studies—most drawn from pioneering projects across Australia the session explores how research and industry capabilities shape what is possible today. By examining both the potential and the limitations of each technology, attendees will gain a practical framework for evaluating 3D‑printing strategies within their own architectural ambitions and the realities of the Australian context. 

This talk was delivered online on 26 February 2025. Talk duration is 1 hour and 11 minutes.

Speaker Bio:

Sascha Bohnenberger-Fehr is a lecturer in Architecture at Swinburne University and Managing Director at Bollinger+Grohmann, Melbourne. With his expertise in complex geometries, digital design, and sustainable material systems he is supporting Architects to realize their work efficiently. He has taught in Europe, USA and Australia. His work has been published widely.

CPD Details:

This talk is offered as a formal CPD activity for architects, mapped to performance criteria PC9 and PC45 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.