Digital Fabrication Globally and in Peru: A Historical Perspective

Abstract

This article aimed to describe and analyze the state of the art of digital fabrication at the international and national levels, focusing on its historical evolution and its application in Peruvian architecture, and to identify the main technological trends, the most relevant institutional initiatives, and the existing challenges for its implementation in the national context. This study corresponds to a narrative literature review. 32 information sources were extracted from academic databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, Elsevier, Redalyc, and Dialnet, and from websites of institutions specialized in architecture. The global trends used in architectural digital design found included 3D printing, AI-assisted robotic laser cutting, digital twins, thermal modeling, collective robotic construction, BIM, and international conferences promoting the study of these tools. Meanwhile, in the Latin American and Peruvian context, the implementation of Fab Labs in different regions promotes its use and provides information to the academic community and the general public. Therefore, it is necessary for institutions and policymakers to establish regulatory frameworks with a comprehensive approach, providing rapid, sustainable, and personalized solutions for each urban, social, and environmental context.