Reimagining Architecture With LFAM
Posted By Anthony Cross
Interior Design & LFAM
How 3D Printing is Shaping the Reimagining of Architecture with LFAM and the Future of Design, Formwork, and Sustainable Construction
In the world of architecture, scale and complexity are often limited by cost, material constraints, or fabrication capabilities. But what if you could print your vision—literally?
At Cross Industry Dynamics, we’re bringing Architecture with Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) to the forefront of architectural design and construction. Architecture With LFAM isn’t just a new tool—it’s a paradigm shift that’s transforming how buildings are conceived, modeled, and built.
Why Architecture With LFAM is becoming a reality
Design Freedom
Complex geometries, organic forms, and parametric structures that would be cost-prohibitive or impossible with traditional fabrication are now achievable with LFAM.
Scale Without Compromise
LFAM allows large components to be printed in one piece, reducing seams, joints, and installation time.
Speed & Cost Efficiency
LFAM dramatically reduces lead times and labor costs by eliminating the need for molds, CNC machining, and extensive manual labor.
Sustainability Built In
LFAM supports the use of recycled and biodegradable materials, helping meet green building standards and LEED goals.
Reimagining Architecture with LFAM
Custom Formwork for Concrete
LFAM enables quick and affordable fabrication of complex concrete molds and formwork. Ideal for domes, curved walls, and sculptural elements.
Interior Architectural Elements
Print custom lighting fixtures, acoustic panels, wall textures, and other interior design components at full scale.
Façade Components & Cladding
Design and print sculptural exterior panels and cladding systems with integrated mounting features.
Scale Models & Prototypes
Quickly iterate large-scale architectural models and 1:1 mockups to test form, function, and fit.
Experimental Architecture
LFAM enables biophilic and generative design concepts using low-impact materials and minimal waste processes
A Real-World Example: From Sketch to Structure
A notable example of Architecture With LFAM’s potential in architecture comes from the ETH Zurich’s Block Research Group, which developed the “KnitCandela” pavilion—an intricate, freeform concrete shell that would have been virtually impossible to realize with conventional methods. The team used 3D-printed formwork to create a lightweight and materially efficient structure, combining computational design with additive manufacturing to drastically reduce material usage and waste.
This approach not only saved time and resources but also showcased how Architecture with Large Format Additive Manufacturing can bring complex geometries to life in a sustainable and structurally sound way. It’s an inspiring case of architectural innovation made possible by advanced digital fabrication techniques.
Results:
- Reduced project timeline by 70%
- Eliminated multi-part assembly
- Preserved original design intent
- Reduced material waste
And the possibilities keep expanding. In 2024, Proto21 and Myata set a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest 3D printed display structure—an achievement that highlights just how far LFAM has come in scalability and architectural relevance. The record-setting piece, called the “My Lightning” sculpture, stood over 6 meters tall and 5 meters wide, weighing more than 1,000 kg. Designed as a centerpiece for a cycling brand activation, it consisted of 25 modular parts printed using advanced polymer composite materials and assembled seamlessly on-site.
This type of structure not only demonstrates the aesthetic and logistical power of LFAM, but also shows how modularity, lightweight construction, and digital fabrication can drastically simplify large-scale installations. With integrated lighting, branding, and structural stability, it blurred the line between experiential marketing and architectural expression—opening the door for broader adoption in both temporary and permanent architectural applications.
This milestone proves that LFAM is ready for permanent architectural applications, not just one-off exhibits. You can read more about this achievement here.
The takeaway? Large-format 3D printing has moved beyond theory—it’s actively reshaping what’s possible in the built environment.
Why Work with Cross Industry Dynamics?
Reimagining Architecture with LFAM will not be an easy task, At CID, we specialize in translating complex design intent into printable, scalable components for architecture and construction.
- Expertise in Architecture With LFAM for built environments
- Support for sustainable and performance-driven materials
- Full-service design, print, and finishing capabilities
- Collaborative workflow with architects and builders
