ABSTRACT
This paper investigates novel interlocking joint systems for 3D-printed ceramic architectural elements, examining their design, fabrication, and tectonics from technical and cultural perspectives. The study tackles challenges in precision and structural stability arising from clay’s non-uniform deformation during the entire fabrication process, including printing and drying. To mitigate these issues, the project relies on the concept of digital craftsmanship, manifested through iterative design and prototyping, mixed fabrication model (digital and manual) that sensibly splits the tasks between man and machine based on the knowledge and required task and a deformation-aware design to production workflow which incorporates a comprehensive set of analogue and digital methods to improve the precision of the ceramic elements by minimizing material deformation. Structural tests evaluated adhesive and dry assemblies, resulting in finger and hinge joints designed for efficient, non-load-bearing interlocking bricks. Culturally, this research reinterprets joinery as both functional and expressive, challenging traditional brick and masonry aesthetics. The project results with a 1x2m perforated ceramic wall demonstrator, made of 19 stoneware elements and proposes an architectural language that merges traditional craftsmanship with digital techniques, creating a sophisticated dialogue between the human, machine and the material.
