Additive Manufacturing and Value Creation in Architectural Design, Design Process and End-products

The objective of this paper is to clarify how value creation can be a part of architectural design and end-products when using the new emerging technology of additive manufacturing. Different kinds of values that have emerged from the research material have been analysed and summarised using selected case studies of recent building-scale projects. In applying this technique to architecture, the result can be visually and functionally novel, smarter and more sustainable buildings or products. A new individually manufactured or customised architecture can be created to serve different cultural and well-being needs cost effectively and without any waste. This new production method can lead to unique joint structures with the use of traditionally produced new or old building parts to enhance architecture, prevent climate change or aid environmental issues. However, most research projects and applications done by commercial companies are at the early stages.