Ben Harries

Ben has led an interesting and varied academic and professional life and is currently Head of Additive Manufacturing at the Water Research Centre, where he is helping to develop a 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) capability. Ben became fascinated with the potential of 3DCP, to the extent that he left behind his successful career as an architect, in order to pursue it full-time.

Having worked on a number of exciting 3DCP projects, both as a manufacturer and as a consultant, Ben is helping a range of industry partners to develop products using the technology. He recently led the design and manufacture of the UK’s first 3D printed headwall for clients Costain and National Highways. The project featured a sensing scheme designed and implemented by the University of Cambridge’s Digital Roads Smart Materials Research Team, led by Prof. Abir Al Tabbaa, who is also Ben’s supervisor.

Ben’s research interests include design optimisation/automation, in-print reinforcement, lightweighting of 3DCP elements, and ecological enhancement of infrastructure. His research project is centred around using 3DCP to enhance the bio-receptivity of elements of infrastructure.

Being highly creative, Ben makes time to design, engineer, build, carve, sculpt, mould, and of course 3D print, a range of functional and artistic objects. He also enjoys playing guitar, although he isn’t sure anyone else enjoys it.

Qualifications

2012 – RIBA Chartered Architect / ARB Registration

2012 – RIBA pt.3: PG Cert, Professional Practice and Management in Architecture

2011 – RIBA pt.2: Diploma in Architecture

2008 – RIBA pt.I: BA Hons. Architecture & Town Planning

2002 – BA Hons. Science, Society & Media