EP #143: Analog vs. DIGITAL Concrete Formwork

Most concrete looks the way it does for one simple reason.We keep designing around the forms we know how to build.In this episode, Seth sits down with Darren Baldwin, President of PIKUS, to break down the real difference between analog formwork and digital formwork—and why that distinction quietly limits what architects, engineers, and contractors think is even possible with concrete.This is not a hype-filled “3D printing is the future” conversation. It’s a practical discussion about where digital formwork actually works, where it absolutely doesn’t, and why architectural concrete—not structure—is where this technology earns its keep.  WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • What “analog vs. digital formwork” really means in construction terms • When digital formwork beats precast on cost, logistics, and constructability • How curves, grade changes, and non-repeatable geometry break traditional forms • Why lack of data (and testing) still blocks structural adoption • Why architects keep designing square stuff when they don’t have to  CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro and how to support the Concrete Logic Podcast 02:30 – Analog vs. digital formwork explained 04:10 – Is this just 3D concrete printing? 05:40 – When digital formwork makes economic sense 07:10 – Grade changes, curves, and non-repeatable geometry 09:20 – Testing, engineering, and the structural data gap 14:40 – Remodels, access constraints, and why lightweight matters 16:05 – Leave-in-place printed formwork (and why it’s not the focus) 19:30 – Digital concrete + millwork integration 21:20 – How to reach Darren / PIKUS  GUEST INFO Darren Baldwin PIKUS https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/darren-baldwin/  INTELLIGENT CONCRETE Concrete not behaving the way it should? At Intelligent Concrete, Dr. Jon Belkowitz and his team combine lab-level testing with real-world field experience to get to the root of performance issues, not just the symptoms. If you want data you can trust and answers you can use, learn more at https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/intelligent-concrete CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY Earn PDHs in the same straight-talk format as the podcast: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com SUPPORT THE PODCAST Support the show directly: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donate KUIU helps support the podcast: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu Media, sponsorship, or content inquiries: [email protected] CREDITS Producer: Jodi Tandett & Concrete Logic Media  Music by Mike Dunton: https://www.mdunton.com/ WHERE TO FIND SETHhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com