Humber Polytechnic partnered with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and Aretek (formerly Printerra) to explore the potential of 3D-printed concrete in reimagining Humber's Transit Hub.
What happens when design, engineering and advanced construction technology come together? You get a bench that's more than just a place to sit!
Humber Polytechnic partnered with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and Aretek (formerly Printerra) to explore the potential of 3D-printed concrete in reimagining Humber's Transit Hub.
The interdisciplinary project brought together students from FAST's Architectural Technology (Natalie Costa-Stokman & Laura Schenkel Andrade) and Civil Engineering Technology (Alexandrie Zabadua-Trujilo Mori) programs and FMCA's Industrial Design program (Viktoria Corneau) to develop design concepts and engineering solutions for a 3D-printed concrete bench.
Led by Principal Investigator and Professor Elizabeth Fenuta, with support from Associate Dean Carl Oliver, the project challenged students to apply their skills in design, structural performance, material selection and constructability to a real-world industry challenge. Their work integrated architectural design, civil engineering principles, material considerations, and industrial design to address form, function, structural performance, and constructability.
Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the project. Additive construction offered opportunities to reduce material waste through precise fabrication, while the potential use of recycled aggregates and lower-carbon cement alternatives highlighted approaches to more environmentally responsible construction.
The finished bench demonstrates how additive construction can support innovative, cost-effective and sustainable public infrastructure helping create welcoming spaces that connect Humber Polytechnic, the Rexdale community and the Humber Arboretum.
It's proof that when students are given the opportunity to turn ideas into reality, innovation really has a place to sit.
