Automotive-AEC technology transfer – DfMA framework and complex façade systems

Authors

  • Ingrid Maria Paoletti Politecnico di Milano (Italy)
  • Giuseppe Conti Politecnico di Milano (Italy)
  • Giorgio Castellano Politecnico di Milano (Italy)
  • Federica Pradella Politecnico di Milano (Italy)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69143/2464-9309/19162026

Keywords:

technology transfer, industrialisation of complexity, façade systems, topological optimisation, life cycle assessment

Abstract

In the AEC sector, there is an urgent need for solutions that integrate environmental sustainability, design quality, and production scalability. This urgency stems from a rapidly changing context marked by environmental and technological shifts, a shortage of skilled labour, and stagnant productivity. Transferring technology from the automotive to the construction sector serves as a strategic lever for managing the growing complexity of building envelopes. This paper introduces an automotive-derived Design for Manufacturing and Assembly framework. The framework is applied to a façade macro-component fabricated from Glass-fibre Reinforced Concrete and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing. By integrating parametric modelling, topological optimisation, and Life Cycle Assessment, the approach reduces the substructure’s mass. This improves material efficiency and guides the project towards industrialisable solutions that align with circularity principles.

 

Article info

Received: 10/03/2026; Revised: 11/04/2026; Accepted: 13/04/2026

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Author Biographies

Ingrid Maria Paoletti, Politecnico di Milano (Italy)

Full Professor of Construction Technology, she is the founder of the Material Balance research group, dedicated to theoretical and design experimentation, where she works on innovative technologies and materials to develop a new responsible materials culture. Since 2023, she has been the Rector's delegate for exhibitions and events.
E-mail: ingrid.paoletti@polimi.it

Giuseppe Conti, Politecnico di Milano (Italy)

He is an Architect and Executive PhD Candidate at the Department of Architecture, Construction Engineering and the Built Environment, in collaboration with Pininfarina. He is part of the Material Balance research group. His research focuses on integrating DfMA strategies, with a particular emphasis on transferring technology from the automotive to the architectural sector.
E-mail: giuseppe1.conti@polimi.it

Giorgio Castellano, Politecnico di Milano (Italy)

He is a Researcher at the Politecnico di Milano (Italy) and a Visiting Researcher in the Fabrication and Material Aware Architecture group at the Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio (USI, Switzerland). His research focuses on innovative building systems, bio-based materials, digital fabrication and distributed production models.
E-mail: giorgio.castellano@polimi.it

Federica Pradella, Politecnico di Milano (Italy)

PhD Candidate at the Department of Architecture, Construction Engineering and the Built Environment (DABC), she is a member of the Material Balance research group, where she focuses on processes and technologies for innovative, distributed production and construction.
E-mail: federica.pradella@polimi.it

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Topology optimisation (credit: the Authors, 2026).  AGATHÓN 19 | 2026

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Published

30-06-2026

How to Cite

Paoletti, I. M., Conti, G., Castellano, G. and Pradella, F. (2026) “Automotive-AEC technology transfer – DfMA framework and complex façade systems”, AGATHÓN | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, 19, pp. 278–293. doi: 10.69143/2464-9309/19162026.

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