The first ever, 3D printed bridge was opened in Spain on 14 December. Led by the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), the bridge which is 12m in long and 1.75 meters wide, has been installed over a stream in Castilla-La Mancha Park in Madrid.
Courtesy of IAAC
The project took one and a half years to complete and while other countries, such as, the Netherlands have had plans to launch printed architecture, Spain is the first country to complete it successfully. The structure is printed with micro-reinforced concrete and has been constructed and designed with minimal waste in mind.
Courtesy of IAAC
Its ‘parametric design’ allows for optimum distribution of material and complete freedom of form. The structure has been able to maintain its structural strength by use of generative algorithms, which has not only challenged traditional practices of construction, but also that of design.
The project was led by ACCIONA and developed by a team of collaborative architects, mechanical engineers, structural engineers and representatives from the municipal administration who helped make this vision a reality.
What do you think of the 3D structure? Tweet us @DesignCurial!
