By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : July 10, 2025 2:13 pm
Artwork “Duality of Skin and Core” sets new standards for sustainable construction and circular design principles
Inorganic pigments from LANXESS are opening up new design possibilities in 3D concrete printing. A current example is the concrete sculpture “Duality of Skin and Core,” which was designed using red and black iron oxide pigments. It is currently on display in the “Time. Space. Existence.” exhibition at the Venice Architecture Biennale.
Assistant Professor Cristina Nan and architect Mattia Zucco from the Department of the Built Environment at Eindhoven University of Technology developed the concrete sculpture as an architectural experiment. The modular column was realized in collaboration with LANXESS and Dutch 3D printing specialist Vertico.
The project shows how color, computer-generated patterns, and material performance can be integrated into digitally controlled manufacturing processes. This opens up new aesthetic and constructive approaches for the architecture of tomorrow.
The innovative design and manufacturing strategy significantly expands the possibilities of 3D printing with concrete. Instead of printing components in a single pass, the project pursues a modular strategy.