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School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics

Exploring Opportunities for 3d Printing Construction in Emerging Contexts: Through the Design of a Vocational Training College in Philippi

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The dissertation aims to emphasize the connection between methods and materials of construction and architectural design. How construction leads to design and design can lead to construction. Secondly, the work aims to highlight how architects can boost innovation in the construction industry through design. Speculative designs of local projects that showcase the potential of 4th Industrial revolution (IR) technologies can accelerate the local development and adoption of modern methods. The new manufacturing technologies promise great potential in the South African context as they are more sustainable and effective. The project focuses on 3D printing construction and investigates the potential and limitations of the technology in the local context. It also looks at how the capabilities and restrictions of the technology influence the language of the architecture it produces. The research is done within the context of a struggling economy in the developing city node of Philippi, Cape Town. The value and implications of introducing a revolutionary technology, such as 3D Printing construction in a place like Philippi are investigated through the design of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college. The college's main objective is to educate and promote the use of 3D printing manufacturing. The school building, workshops and public facilities are not only built using 3D printing construction but also train locals in the craft to give them useful and modern skills that will soon be in high demand as the technology matures to become a mainstream fabrication method internationally and in South Africa.

Degree

thesis:*
Grantor
School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics
Year dc:date.issued
2023

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Snyman, Marie
Advisors dc:contributor.advisor
  • Louw, Michael
  • Tumubweinee, Philippa

Subjects

dc:subject × 1

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Handle dc:identifier.uri
http://hdl.handle.net/11427/38173
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/38173

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of Cape Town
Base URL
open.uct.ac.za/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
related terms
citation

Snyman, Marie. Exploring Opportunities for 3d Printing Construction in Emerging Contexts: Through the Design of a Vocational Training College in Philippi. School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics, 2023. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/38173