London’s Natural History Museum integrates 3D printed ceramic structures in its first permanent gallery in a decade.
Historic London institution combines tradition with technology in its first permanent exhibition in over a decade.
London’s Natural History Museum has revealed its latest permanent gallery, where 3D-printed ceramic pieces celebrate the building’s historic terracotta architecture and sustainable future.
The “Fixing Our Broken Planet” gallery, which opened April 3, features display cases supported by 1,686 3D printed clay modules made from 40% recycled materials. The museum’s in-house architects partnered with Barcelona-based LAMÁQUINA to produce the ceramic structures using WASP’s robotic additive manufacturing technology.
“Just as the choice of terracotta was a contextual response to the needs of its time, the design of this new gallery reflects today’s priorities,” according to LAMÁQUINA. The 3D printed components were produced in under three months based on ten module designs.
The project faced strict requirements due to the museum’s heritage status, including prohibitions against touching the original walls or exceeding 400 kg of point load. Despite these challenges, installation was completed in just 10 days.
The gallery, the museum’s first permanent addition in more than 10 years, explores practical, nature-based solutions to environmental challenges. The brick-like ceramic structures create a symbolic bridge between natural clay materials and cutting-edge 3D printing technology.
Architect Alfred Waterhouse originally selected terracotta for the iconic Victorian building because it was cost-effective and resistant to London’s industrial pollution. Today’s architects chose 3D printed ceramics after conducting environmental impact studies of various manufacturing options.
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Some modules incorporate technical features such as cable management and signage attachments, demonstrating the practical versatility of the 3D printing approach.
