At the 2025 Venice Biennale, Duality shows a new way of thinking about 3D printed concrete. Developed by Assist. Prof. Cristina Nan and architect Mattia Zucco at Eindhoven University of Technology, with 3D printing specialist Vertico and pigment experts Lanxess, the project is a fresh take on how colour, pattern, and modular design can change the world of architecture.

A Fresh Look at Concrete

Concrete is often seen as grey and plain. Duality challenges this idea by adding colour and pattern directly into the 3D printing process. Thanks to Lanxess’s advanced pigments, the printed concrete is bright, bold, and long-lasting. This is exciting for architects, interior designers, and product designers who want to create colourful, expressive structures.

Computational design tools make this possible. They let designers plan the shapes, colours, and patterns before printing, bringing a new level of creativity to concrete design.

Modular and Sustainable Design

Duality is built in parts, not as one large piece. Inspired by ancient columns made of stacked drums, it uses 14 components—nine drums and four wings—each weighing 30 kg or less. This makes the structure easy to move, rebuild, or reuse in different places.

This flexible design is perfect for architects, landscape designers, and product designers who want to create adaptable structures that are part of a circular design strategy.

Revealing Structure and Ornament

Duality doesn’t hide its structure. Openings in the outer layer reveal the colourful inner core, turning the structural elements into a visual feature. This approach combines form and function, and highlights the beauty of structural design.

This idea of making the hidden visible is useful for many design fields. It encourages a more honest and engaging use of materials, adding value to architectural and interior design.

Building for a Better Future

Duality isn’t just about looking good. It promotes sustainable thinking in design. The modular parts reduce waste, make transport easier, and extend the life of the structure. The use of pigments to colour the concrete shows how material science can make concrete both strong and beautiful.

Duality offers a glimpse of the future: a world where colour, pattern, and modular design create bold, sustainable structures. It is a reminder that innovation in materials and fabrication methods can inspire new forms of creative expression.

You can see Duality at the Time. Space. Existence. exhibition in the Giardini della Marinaressa Garden, where it will stay until November 2025.

Source & Photos: Eindhoven University of Technology, Vertico, Lanxess, Lloyd Lee