3D Facade

Using a life-size 3D printer DUS Architects and Heijmans built the facade on the EU Presidency entrance building in Amsterdam, with playfully shaped sails.

European politicians and officials who are in Amsterdam during the Dutch EU Presidency meet in temporary buildings, including the Europe building.

The entrance of the building is designed by DUS Architects and Heijmans using 3D printing techniques. If you walk by the building you see a 3D facade of “white sails” and 3D printed benches.

The entrance of the building is partially constructed with playfully shaped sails which refer to the yachts that were previously built on site. This creates alcoves, which house EU blue-coloured 3D printed benches. At sunset, the benches and back facades are illuminated with spotlights. Light pulsates slowly behind the canvas, going on and off in two minutes.

Each seating element of the 3D facade is parametrically designed and fits perfectly in every alcove. The spatial pattern from bottom to top has a different shape to emphasize the diversity, but at the same time also the convergence of the EU countries. The seating surfaces are filled with light-colored concrete. This provides added strength and a contrast to the blue, printed pattern. The elements are produced locally with a life-size 3D printer.