Material Syntax: 3D Printed Masonry Façade Systems

Exhibition coordinated by David Correa and Yannik Sigouin.

How might the building façades of the future be made? In this exhibition, Master of Architecture students from the University of Waterloo explore how masonry – one of the oldest forms of construction – can be reimagined using 3D-printed clay.

Inspired by nature, historical architecture, and emerging technologies, the students experiment with new ways of designing and making masonry units. Using a large-scale clay 3D printer, they create custom pieces that expand on traditional brickmaking, while still working with the natural qualities of clay.

The exhibition features a range of graduate student projects that explore the creative and practical possibilities of 3D-printed masonry façades. These include expressive wall systems, decorative surfaces that filter light, and functional building components such as rain screens and sun-shading elements. Each project shows how digital design and traditional masonry materials can come together to shape the buildings of tomorrow.

Participants: [Simar Mangat, Isha Patel, Danielle Pallo], [Grace Liang, Ulyana Bunina, Nicole Chan], [Mohadeseh Naderi, Tuyasin Jubaida Mou, Adam Cohen], [Patricia Poiana, Isabella Radusinovic, Sophia Chalk], [Devasri Baxi, Kristen Chow, Jason Luu, Kailing Mai].

Special thanks to: Andrew Payne, Michael Syms, Heinz Koller, Jessica Steinhausser, Dean Palmer, Peter Flannery, Dean Garbutt and Stephen Smith.

Exhibition support by Peter Flannery, Susan Letkeman and Dylan Kellendonk.

Bricks kindly sponsored by Brampton Brick and Canada Brick. Mortar sponsored by Quikrete.

This exhibition is made possible by Masonry Council of Ontario in partnership with the School of Architecture, University of Waterloo, The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery and Waterloo Public Library.