Striatus, the world’s first 3D concrete printed bridge, was recently opened to the public as part of the Venice Architecture Biennale. Designed by Block Research Group and Zaha Hadid Architects, this construction innovation was achieved in collaboration with incremental3D and Holcim. Striatus establishes a new language for concrete that is digital, environmentally advanced and circular by design. The footbridge holds together through compression with no reinforcements, applying computational design and 3D printing for minimal material use and maximum strength. Philippe Block, co-director of the Block Research Group at ETH Zurich: “The name ‘Striatus’ reflects the bridge’s structural logic and fabrication process. In arched and vaulted structures, material is placed such that forces can travel to the supports in pure compression. Strength is created through geometry, using a fraction of the materials used in conventional concrete beams.”