3D concrete printing competition is an open activity for architecture, design and art students, specialists and people with skills in project management, 3D printing, sculpture and 3D design with an aim to increase the popularity of concrete printing and creating first publicly accessible 3D printed installations in Riga, located at University of Latvia campus at Torņakalns.
Competition is organised in 2 stages: 4 hour online idea hackathon on and in depth 3 month concept development incubator with mentors for selected teams.
Final awards are assigned by professional jury after evaluating submitted prototypes. Up to 3 teams will win a chance to execute their idea and bring home part of 5 000 - 10 000 EUR price pool. More information below:
Participate in weekly introductionary online events with topics on Virtual Reality, 3D modeling, concrete printing technologies and clay sculpting at Creative Tuesdays fb.me/c2days
4h idea competition online with 3 min proposal pitch. Awarded teams proceed to the next stage. Find out more on Facebook event
Individual mentorship for 10 selected teams in further developing the idea and test printing a 3D scale model prototype. Submitting posters for final evaluation
Awarding selected teams after the final evaluations. Starting production of large scale printed parts and assembly on the site
University of Latvia rector
Dean of Faculty of Architecture at Riga Technical university
Head researcher at RTU 3D concrete printing laboratory
University of Latvia
“House of Letters” project director
CEO, Board Member UL Foundation
Visionary Culture Foundation, Artist
Architect, researcher Riga Technical university
Infrastructure Department University of Latvia
Industrial Phd Student, 3D Concrete printing laboratory
Scientific Assistant 3D Concrete printing laboratory
RTU Design Factory
RTU Design Factory
Creativity trainer
RTU Design Factory
Architect, designer ZJU, China
Head of 3D Construction Printing at PERI AG
3D artist
Creative Tuesdays
*List may change due to availability
and scheduling options
Full event price pool is 5 000 - 10 000 EUR*. All teams who pass first stage idea selection get up to 500 EUR per team in material costs and expert consultations for preparing the prototype 3D printed scale model and A1 poster print for the exhibition. For the 3 best final awarded ideas main prizes are up to 3000 EUR per team for first place, 2000 EUR for second place and 1000 EUR for third place.
From the 3 final awarded winners jury selects 1-3 ideas that will be 3D printed in full-scale concrete and exhibited at UL campus in Riga, Latvia. Full regulations available HERE. In order to coordinate fund transfer it is recommended that each team has one full time student from Latvia. However you can also register as an individual and find a team later.
*Prizes are shown in full amount before tax.
Your submitted works are evaluated in following criteria that involve design and originality of the proposal, maintenance and understanding of 3D concrete printing technology. In the first part of the competition - 4h idea hackathon - priority will be given to the originality and ambition of your idea. On final presentations emphasis will be shifted towards maintenance and fulfillment of technology requirements.
Design and idea - how original and unique is the proposed freestanding object, its implementation in surroundings and aesthetic qualities. This section is evaluated by an architect and representatives from University of Latvia and Riga Technical university.
3D printing technology - Understanding of 3D printing technology, involved challenges, limitations and opportunities. This section will be evaluated by experts from Riga Techical university 3D concrete printing laboratory. Feel free to watch the introductionary lecture on facebook from head researcher Māris Šinka.
Object Maintenance - In order to have a feasable installation its use cases and maintenance requirements must be considered in several use scenarios and weather conditions. This section will be overseen by University of Latvia Department of Infrastructure head Marģers Počs.
Bench - enhance the UL Campus territory with a unique outdoor seating solution for students and visitors. Consider the location, comfort requirements, possible use cases and other existing environmental factors and design cues present in the campus currently.
Bicycle Stand - improve accessiblity of the university campus by designing a custom bicycle stand that provides sufficient security, visual interest and has adequate surface treatment for interaction with bicycle frames. You can also consider combination of several materials or techniques, whilst ensuring that the main body of the object is from 3D concrete.
Isaiah Berlin memmorial - Design a small-scale monument for the famous philosopher, historian and professor at the University of Oxford, born in Riga. Isaiah Berlin was a defender of liberalism, tolerance, value pluralism and individual liberty. What form or installation could best honor his ideas and serve as an inspiration for people who study humanities and social sciences at UL.
House of Letters Demo centre - Create a proposal for a part of House of Letters information centre pavillion with area for information displays, scale model display for campus development plan and small meetings & pop-up event zone.
Contemplation area - designated, wind protected area for recollection of thoughts and/or a smoking zone that is visually seperated from the public zone.
Free form sculpture or installation - surprise us with your ambition and propose a custom freestanding sculpture or art installation for UL campus.
