Research, Technology & engineering

UC Berkeley debuts first-of-its-kind 3-D-printed cement structure

By Sarah Yang

ATTENTION: Reporters covering architecture and technology

WHAT: Unveiling of the first and largest powder-based 3-D-printed cement structure built to date, developed by Ronald Rael, associate professor of architecture at UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design. The pavilion, “Bloom,” demonstrates the architectural potential of 3-D printing, its creators say.

The freestanding pavilion is 9 feet high and has a footprint measuring 12 feet by 12 feet. The structure is composed of 840 customized blocks, 3-D-printed using an iron oxide-free Portland cement polymer formulation developed by Rael.

WHEN: 3:15 – 8 p.m., Friday, March 6.

WHERE: Wurster Hall on the UC Berkeley campus. Directions are online here.

The schedule is as follows:

3:15 p.m. — Press check-in begins, Wurster Hall lobby
3:45 p.m. —  “Bloom” structure presentation and media Q&A, Wurster Courtyard
5 p.m.  — Lab tour, 479 Wurster Hall
5:30 p.m. — Check-in for reception hosted by Siam Cement Group Co., Ltd., Wurster Hall lobby
6:15 p.m. — Remarks by Professor Rael and Siam Research and Innovation Co., Ltd.

Media should R.S.V.P. by 7:30 a.m., Thursday March 5, to Mary Cocoma, mcocoma@berkeley.edu.

WHO: Ronald Rael is a UC Berkeley associate professor with a joint appointment in the departments of Architecture and Art Practice. He is also the co-founder, along with his partner Virginia San Fratello, of Emerging Objects, a pioneering design and research company that focuses on innovative 3-D-printed materials and objects for the built environment; and Rael San Fratello, an internationally recognized award-winning studio whose work lies at the intersection of architecture, art, culture and the environment.

DETAILS: Bloom is composed of 840 customized blocks, 3-D-printed using an iron oxide-free Portland cement polymer formulation developed by Rael. Rael designed and led the yearlong research project with funding and collaborative support from Siam Research and Innovation Co.,Ltd (SRI), the research and development division of Siam Cement Group (SCG). A representative from SRI will be available at the unveiling.

Afterwards, the structure will be disassembled and shipped to SRI in Thailand, where it will be exhibited and remain on display for several months before traveling to various locations around the world.