Abstract Summary
Circular Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a technology that can reduce city waste and increase material lifetime. COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that AM can be a feasible and fast solution to problems in urban areas. AM is a novel technology that can close waste loops at the end of the supply chain. Circular AM adds a recycling feature by reducing waste products and bringing them back in transformed form. Using the combination of technology and innovation, where technology is Additive Manufacturing also known as 3D printing, and Circularity is the innovation; we developed 3D printed elements with several functions that can lead to local manufactured goods. Characterized for being fast prototyping and customized solutions for temporary and natural disasters construction, living, buildings, urban spaces and health industry. The use of waste flows in cities will reduce resources, connect industries and bring materials back to the system as functional pieces in different construction sectors and urban spaces. The aim of this approach is to close loops at different urban scales and create a new system mainly circular connecting sectors and industries to bring materials back to human spaces. This study suggests simple nature shapes and modularity as key elements in the creation of urban pieces. In a fist stage, we combined nature patterns such as hexagon-shaped panels and other variations; and modularity implemented in ancient Japanese wood joinery techniques to create solutions for cities regarding construction, accommodation, urban functions and support in disaster events.
