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 SETH
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/
https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com