Duality is an architectural proto-structure part of the Computational Concrete Columns-Series developed as a collaboration between Assist. Prof. Cristina Nan and architect Mattia Zucco at the Eindhoven University of Technology. Vertico, a Dutch company specialised in large format 3D printing and Lanxess, a German specialty chemicals company are industrial partners in this endeavour.

Duality explores the potential of 3D concrete printing by creating innovative, tectonic columns that serve both constructive and expressive purposes, examining materials, fabrication techniques, and the conceptual design process based on a computational design logic. The column is treated as modular, stackable system, making them thus reconfigurable, easy to relocate and reassemble, following a system-based design thinking.

The columns are treated as a double system of core and skin — a dual system. A particular emphasis is placed on the infill beyond its stabilizing function. Infill systems in additive manufacturing are normally hidden from the viewer. Expressive and ornamental value is not only assigned to the skin but also translated to the infill. By unrevealing the structure through the punctual peeling away of the external skin, the interior infill is exposed rhythmically throughout the height of the column.  This reveals the ornamental material potential of the infill and as such of the computational design strategy and robotic fabrication logic. By exposing the core, the tectonic expressiveness of the column as an architectural archetype is magnified. The functional use of the infill is undergoing an aesthetic exploration with the capacity to open up a new conceptual potential for tectonic expressivity.

With Vertico’s 3D concrete printing technology with pigments, colour is also implemented as part of the printing process. The colour palette is used to reinforce the duality between core and skin. This collaborative project showcases advanced computational and robotic workflows, material experimentation, as well as reinterpreted concepts of ornamentality and tectonic expressions.

Computational Design: Cristina Nan & Mattia Zucco

3D Concrete Printing: Vertico — Orestis Pavlidis

Pigments: Lanxess

Support:  Nikolett Ásványi

Time. Space. Existence. Exhibition, ECC, Architecture Biennale Venice 2025