Research on 3D Printing Craft for Flexible Mass Customization: The Case of Chengdu Agricultural Expo Center

Mass customization of prefabricated architecture is becoming increasingly crucial for developing the architectural industry. With the continuous iterative development of digital design tools and construction methods, paradigm innovation liberates social productivity significantly. This thinking of architecture allows architects to accomplish profound design concepts and intentions with sustainable production strategies. At the same time, digital design tools and architectural robotics also powerfully awaken the relevance of tradition and local culture, addressing the issue of the declining productivity of traditional construction methods. In the engineering practice of the Chengdu Agricultural Expo Center, robotic timber fabrication and plastic 3D printing craft efficiently completed the construction of complex structural elements. The 3D-printed roof covers an area of about 3,000 square meters. All the roof panels are prefabricated in the factory and transported to the site for assembly. It proves that 3D printing can meet the demand for the efficient construction of large-scale and high-dimensional geometric roofs. This paper introduces the integrated design-to-fabrication process and robotic construction method of the large-scale prefabricated roof, taking the Chengdu Agricultural Expo Center as an example.