So Concrete Builds a Sustainable Transit Stop in Prague

Employing robotic fabrication and a super-strong mix of the material it’s titled after, So Concrete has built a sturdy and sustainable transit stop in Prague.

After being awarded a commission by the city of Prague to design the Výstaviště tram stop from 3-D printed ultra-high-performance concrete, local multi­disciplinary studio So Concrete enhanced an initial AI rendering with a 1:50 scale model of the structure’s canopy.

How So Concrete Built a Sustainable Tram Stop

In conjunction with engineering consultant Stráský, Hustý, a more detailed rendering was made with Rhinoceros.

Another rendering examines the three columns supporting the canopy and bench to determine the least amount of steel needed, thereby reducing the project’s energy use.

Trajectories of a six-axis robotic arm were mapped out before the 3-D printing process, which resulted in a compression strength five times that of regular concrete.

A ma­terial specialist at So Concrete prepared the UHPC, modified to ensure optimal printing for the canopy and bench, which were both printed in six pieces before being assembled on-site.

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The Stats

• 10 engineers, designers, concrete technologists, and robot operators led by robotic engineer Dimitry Nikitin and designer Záviš Unzeitig
• 36 hours to 3-D print the basic structure
• 26 foot canopy length
• 15 days of installation
• 60% of comparable material saved

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Furthering the project’s sustainability, electronic displays showing timetables for the city’s 38 tram routes are solar-powered, all helping to encourage the use of public transportation instead of cars.