Reimagining Oil City with Concrete 3D Printing

SCHRADERGROUP’s Architectural Designer, Dan Pawluczyk, was recently invited back to his alma mater Penn State University as a juror overseeing students presenting 3D concrete printing concepts. 3D concrete printing is a new branch of design, and many believe it is the future of affordable, sustainable housing and architecture at large. Dr. José Duarte, Stuckeman Chair in Design Innovation, leads efforts at Penn State to 3D print these structures.

Selina Pedi-Smith and her husband Don Smith sponsored the upper-level architecture studio class in their endeavors, striving to revitalize the once-booming town of Oil City, PA. The couple identified a plot of land for the students to conceptualize the future possibilities of the town. The town is abundant with natural resources, and the couple hopes to use 3D concrete printing to breathe life back into the area through tourism, employment, and of course: affordable housing.

3D concrete printing involves a large mixer, a machine, and a vision. The printing process is quick and affordable compared to traditional construction methods, and the students utilized the studio and tools Dan used during his time at Penn State to create various housing concepts on the plot in Oil City. The students presented mock-ups and concept designs to the panel for review. Dan was able to combine his experience from SCHRADERGROUP and expertise from Dr. Duarte’s class and provide helpful insight and feedback to the current students.

We at SCHRADERGROUP are excited to see our members succeed and are proud of Dan’s achievements. We are interested in the future of architecture, engineering, and design and the ways people create communities through these mediums. We are endlessly inspired by students paving the way for the future.

Photos c/o: Dan Pawluczyk