Hot off the press: Office buildings from the 3D printer

The UAE is a country rich in superlatives, particularly when it comes to construction and technology. The world’s tallest building already stands in Dubai. Now the city is planning the first office building comprised entirely of components from a 3D printer. This nifty-looking edifice, which is meant to minimize both construction costs and material use, can be put up in only a few weeks. With its 186 m² of space, it is not exactly huge, but is an attractive product of 3D-printing history so far. After inauguration, the structure will serve as the headquarters or administration building of the recently opened Museum of the Future. 3D-printed components were used in the creation of the museum as well. Construction will require a 3D printer about six metres in height. The individual components will be assembled in situ. Indeed, this is one of the most ambitious printing projects in contemporary architecture. It remains to be seen when it will be ready, but with the short building times associated with 3D printing, it shouldn’t take too long.