LANXESS Pigments Bring Colour to Concrete at Venice Biennale

15 Jul 2025 CW Team

LANXESS’s advanced inorganic pigments have brought a splash of colour to concrete architecture through a striking 3D-printed sculpture titled “Duality of Skin and Core”, currently exhibited at the “Time. Space. Existence.” show during the Venice Architecture Biennale. The sculpture is the result of a collaboration between Eindhoven University of Technology’s Assistant Professor Cristina Nan and architect Mattia Zucco, supported by LANXESS and Dutch 3D-printing specialist Vertico.

The column-like structure explores architectural experimentation using red and black iron oxide pigments from LANXESS’s Bayferrox and Colortherm ranges. The pigments helped redefine the traditional grey look of concrete, introducing vivid colour and high-definition patterning. Designed in a modular format, the structure comprises nine lightweight drums and four wings, each weighing less than 30 kg, allowing for easy transport, assembly, and reuse—principles aligned with sustainable and circular design strategies.

This project demonstrates how digital manufacturing, aesthetic creativity, and structural performance can be combined in 3D concrete printing. The slit-like openings in the sculpture’s outer surface expose its colourful inner core, breaking away from monolithic design norms and referencing the duality between form and material. The approach pays homage to ancient Roman and Greek columns while enabling modern construction flexibility.

To ensure the pigments work effectively in 3D-printed concrete applications, LANXESS is conducting research in collaboration with the Institute of Construction Materials at TU Dresden. Early results indicate that the pigments do not alter concrete properties while delivering vibrant, consistent colour output—unlocking new design and commercial possibilities for architectural concrete applications worldwide.

Infrastructure Energy

22 Oct 2025

KEC Secures Rs 10, 380 Mn Substation Order in Saudi Arabia

KEC International Ltd., a global infrastructure EPC major, and an RPG Group company, has secured a new order worth Rs 10,380 million for the Design, Supply and Installation of a 380 kV GIS Substation in Saudi Arabia.Vimal Kejriwal, MD & CEO, KEC International Ltd., commented, “We are delighted with the successive order wins in our T&D business. In a landmark achievement, we have secured our largest ever substation order. This prestigious order in the Middle East has widened our portfolio and strengthened our presence in the region. With this strategic win, our year-to-date or..

Central Bank of India executes first fully digital SCF deal on PSB Xchange

In a major advancement for India’s banking sector, Central Bank of India (CBI) has successfully completed the country’s first fully digital supply chain finance (SCF) transaction on PSB Xchange—a unified multi-lender platform launched by PSB Alliance. PSB Xchange is designed to connect public and private sector banks, NBFCs, and fintechs with corporates and their channel partners to facilitate supply chain finance and small business loans. The transaction marks the first time a fintech-originated corporate lead has been seamlessly processed through the PSB Xchange ecosystem. The lead fl..

Atlanta Electricals secures Rs 1,835 Mn transformer order from BNC Power

Atlanta Electricals Limited (“Atlanta”) has secured an order worth Rs 1,835 million from BNC Power Projects Ltd for the supply of extra high voltage (EHV) transformers and a bus reactor for its Pugal site. The contract includes a mix of 315 MVA, 400 KV and 100 MVA, 132 KV transformers along with a 400 KV bus reactor. The project scope encompasses design, manufacturing, testing, and supply to the project site. Deliveries will be sequenced following engineering and drawing approvals, offering multi-quarter execution visibility and ensuring a steady production run-rate. The order will be ex..