Da Vinci’s vision realized in 3D printing for modern architecture

After more than a year of development, the prototype of “Da Vinci’s Bridge” was presented – a technological and design-oriented project that combines Leonardo da Vinci’s vision with modern 3D printing technology. The interdisciplinary project was developed in collaboration between the ArCoD department of the Polytechnic University of Bari and specialized companies from the fields of 3D printing and stone processing. The aim is to promote sustainable construction concepts with innovative materials made from residual materials.

The bridge is based on a design by Professor Giuseppe Fallacara and reinterprets Leonardo’s concept of a self-supporting bridge, which was originally designed for the Bosphorus. The prototype, designed as a pedestrian bridge with a span of around six meters, primarily serves as an experimental platform for new building materials and production methods.

Particular attention is paid to the material used, an environmentally friendly mortar made from waste products from stone processing and a lime binder. This solution was developed by the Italian start-up B&Y, which specializes in the recycling of residual materials for 3D printing. In cooperation with the 3D printing company WASP, the bridge elements were produced on a large-format 3D printing machine for cement materials, the WASP 3MT LDM Concrete. The structure consists of 13 individually printed blocks that were assembled using temporary scaffolding.

The bridge is based on the principle of stereotomy, which is included in Leonardo’s original design. This enables a stable, self-supporting construction without the use of additional support materials. The next step is to analyze the mechanical properties of the materials used and further optimize the printing process.

The combination of traditional engineering and modern technology could pave the way for more sustainable construction methods and open up new possibilities in architecture.