Diamanti: A Modular, Post-Tensioned 3D Printed Bridge

Vertico proudly participated in the fabrication of Diamanti, a cutting-edge architectural and structural prototype showcased at the 2025 Venice Biennale as part of the Time, Space, Existence exhibition organized by the European Cultural Centre (ECC).

Project Overview

Diamanti is the result of a collaborative research initiative that brought together academic expertise and industrial know-how to develop a modular, prefabricated funicular bridge system. The structure demonstrates a sustainable approach to architectural spans, using innovative geometry and additive manufacturing technologies to minimize material use and maximize structural performance.

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The project was led by Prof. Dr. Masoud Akbarzadeh and his team at the Polyhedral Structures Laboratory (PSL) at the University of Pennsylvania. It showcases a new structural method based on Polyhedral Graphic Statics, where geometry governs the force flow within the structure, channeling both compressive and tensile forces in a highly efficient form.

Design and Fabrication

The bridge features a modular design composed of nine distinct segments. Each segment incorporates embedded anticlastic surfaces that serve both structural and environmental functions: they stiffen the geometry, distribute shear loads, and increase surface area to enhance carbonation and reduce embodied carbon.

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Vertico was responsible for the 3D printing of the concrete segments. Using our robotic printing technology and multi-component cement mix developed by Sika, we fabricated the complex geometries without the need for traditional formwork. Our 2K printing system was instrumental in achieving the intricate shapes and clean resolution required for the project.

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The post-tensioning strategy employed ungrouted steel cables, allowing the nine elements to be joined into a fully functional, prestressed bridge. This dry-assembly method ensures that the structure is fully demountable at the end of its lifecycle, enabling separation of materials for easy recycling.

Sustainability and Material Efficiency

A major innovation of Diamanti lies in its ability to reduce construction waste and material volume. By 3D printing hollow geometries tailored to carry load paths and incorporating pre-designed voids and geometrical stiffness, the project significantly cuts down on concrete usage. The modularity also supports reuse and adaptability.

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The version exhibited in Venice spans 2.5 meters, with a bottom width of 60 cm and a maximum depth of 26 cm at mid-span. A longer 9-meter span of the same structural principle has already undergone successful testing.

Collaborators and Partners

• Design and Structural Engineering: Prof. Dr. Masoud Akbarzadeh, Amir Motavaselian, Dr. Maximilian E. Ororbia, Hua Chai, Yefan Zhi, Teng Teng, Pouria Vakhshouri, Dr. Mathias Bernhard (PSL, University of Pennsylvania)
• Industry Partner (Material and Mix Development):  Sika Group Switzerland (Karolina Pajak, Leon Trousset, Severin Mueller, Mylene Bernard, Fabrice Decroix)
• ‍3D Printing: Vertico
• Fabrication and Assembly: Carsey 3D‍
• ‍Post-Tensioning: AEVIA
• Structural Analysis: Advanced Building Construction Lab, City College Of New York (Prof. Dr. Damon Bolhassani, Dr. Fahimeh Yavartanoo)
• ‍Load Testing: CERIB, France
• ‍Material Calibration: Prof. Dr. Joseph Yost, Javier Tapia (Villanova University)
• ‍Additional Support: Paul Kassabian, Blaise Waligun

Diamanti stands as a strong example of what is possible when computational design, structural logic, and digital fabrication converge. Vertico is proud to contribute to this groundbreaking exploration of sustainable, prefabricated architecture.