HEIJMANS : Ctrl Print your bridge

Jan uses a DIY example to clarify the final objective: "Everyone has probably experienced it when, for example, trying to renovate their kitchen. You notice how the installation process doesn't exactly flow smoothly and is difficult to manage. You always encounter something new, which alters the course of the project. Meanwhile, our customers (rightfully) want the construction process to be predictable and manageable. The 'automatic construction site' is a concept where all parts of the construction process are coordinated, which causes energy to be minimised and construction-related waste to be eliminated. That's what you call a fully managed and reliable process."

But a couple of major steps need to be taken to realise completely automatic construction sites. Jan: "It all starts by drawing in 3D, which is something Heijmans always does by incorporating all information in so-called 3D Construction Information Models. These models then coordinate the various aspects involved in the construction process. The next step involves creating a parametric design, which means if something is changed in a particular area of the design, the consequences will also be automatically implemented in the rest of the design. This design is then produced, and that's where 3D printing plays a major role. We are thus within touching distance of robotising the whole construction process."

Jurre explains the immediate benefits of using 3D printing for construction purposes: "Construction and design are currently rather separate factors in construction - the architect designs something and the constructor interprets the design and builds what he thinks is needed. But using 3D printing for a bridge makes design and construction operate hand-in-hand. For instance, both activities are done at the same time, instead of first building the structure and then adding the design later. This means we will also have to start looking at design in a completely different manner. The exact roles played by design and construction during this approach still need to be examined together with the people at Joris Laarman. But extensive testing will first need to be carried out."

Jan also has something else to say about Heijmans' objectives in this partnership: "Such projects are always a good way of improving your in-house know-how because, naturally, we want to show our customers which possibilities are available to them. And, in our opinion, these developments should be a real wake up call for our education system. We need people with different skills than those currently being offered. IT is one of the most under-rated aspects in the construction sector, but is one of the main driving forces for innovation. The construction sector needs people who are able to understand IT, construction as well as design. But today's qualifications are not combining these three important factors."