Open Access

Stefan Junk, Philipp Gawron

• Architecture models are an essential component of the development process and enable a physical representation of virtual designs. In addition to the conventional methods of model production using the machining of models made of wood, metal, plastic or glass, a number of additive manufacturing processes are now available. These new processes enable the additive manufacturing of architecturalArchitecture models are an essential component of the development process and enable a physical representation of virtual designs. In addition to the conventional methods of model production using the machining of models made of wood, metal, plastic or glass, a number of additive manufacturing processes are now available. These new processes enable the additive manufacturing of architectural models directly from CAAD or BIM data. However, the boundary conditions applicable to the ability to manufacture models with additive manufacturing processes must also be considered. Such conditions include the minimum wall thickness, which depends on the applied additive manufacturing process and the materials used. Moreover, the need for the removal of support structures after the additive manufacturing process must also be considered. In general, a change in the scale of these models is only possible at very high effort. In order to allow these restrictions to be adequately incorporated into the CAAD model, this contribution develops a parametrized CAAD model that allows such boundary conditions to be modified and adapted while complying with the scale. Usability of this new method is illustrated and explained in detail in a case study. In addition, this article addresses the additive manufacturing processes including subsequent post-processing.…