Surfaces as infrastructure – Design and additive manufacturing in Industry 5.0

Authors

  • Gianpiero Alfarano University of Florence (Italy)
  • Alessandro Spennato University of Florence (Italy)
  • Jurji Filieri University of Tuscia (Italy)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69143/2464-9309/19292026

Keywords:

sustainable design, additive manufacturing, sensory surfaces, industrial innovation, industry 5.0

Abstract

The paper investigates the role of modular surfaces designed through additive manufacturing as systems capable of integrating technological innovation, modularity and perceptual qualities of space. The research adopts a ‘design research’ approach based on the integration of parametric modelling and prototyping through 3D printing, aimed at the development of surface modules characterised by variable seriality. Through the controlled manipulation of geometric parameters, morphological configurations were generated that can produce different visual and spatial effects. The results show that combining digital design and additive manufacturing enables the development of flexible, reconfigurable surface systems with potential applications in interior design and architecture. The paper also highlights the implications of such design strategies on sustainable innovation models and the 2030 Agenda goals.

 

Article info

Received: 10/03/2026; Revised: 15/04/2026; Accepted: 17/04/2026

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Author Biographies

Gianpiero Alfarano, University of Florence (Italy)

Architect and Designer, he is an Associate Professor of Design. Scientific Coordinator of the Master’s programme in Advanced Interior Design and of the Lighting Colour Surface Lab, he deals with colours, materials, finishes and lighting, and conducts research on perception, energy efficiency of surfaces, and photoluminescent pigments.
E-mail: gianpiero.alfarano@unifi.it

Alessandro Spennato, University of Florence (Italy)

Designer, he is an Adjunct Lecturer in Interior Design, Technician at the Models for Design Laboratory and Coordinator of the Lighting Colour Surface Lab. He works on interior design, product design, graphics and digital prototyping.
E-mail: alessandro.spennato@unifi.it

Jurji Filieri, University of Tuscia (Italy)

Architect and Designer, he is a Researcher and Lecturer on the Design degree course. He is the Scientific Coordinator of UNISOL and Unusual Research Lab, an experimental research group on design and production processes for companies, and he carries out research in the fields of relational design, innovation, and the influence of art on design.
E-mail: jurji.filieri@unitus.it

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Results of the variation of light incidence versus Kelvin degrees in relation to surface texture (credit: the Authors, 2026). AGATHÓN 19 | 2026

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Published

30-06-2026

How to Cite

Alfarano, G., Spennato, A. and Filieri, J. (2026) “Surfaces as infrastructure – Design and additive manufacturing in Industry 5.0”, AGATHÓN | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, 19, pp. 498–515. doi: 10.69143/2464-9309/19292026.

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