In an effort to place the United Arab Emirates at the forefront in architecture construction and design, Chairman of the UAE National Innovation Committee Mohamed Al Gergawi announced that Dubai will be home to the world’s “first fully functional 3D-printed building,” Emirates 24/7 reports.
Chinese company WinSun—which buzzed online when stories of the company constructing 10 homes in the course of 24 hours using 3D printing technology went viral—will be manufacturing the office building prototype in Dubai.
According to Al Gergawi, the prototype being "printed" will be a 2,000-sf, one-story office building. Online magazine 3D Printing Industry reports that a 20-foot-tall printer will be needed for the project, spewing out construction material consisting of special reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced plastic, and glass fiber reinforced gypsum.
"This project reflects the vision of our leadership here in Dubai," Al Gergawi told Emirates 24/7. "We are keen to use the latest technologies to simplify people's lives and to serve them better. This project is part of our overall innovation strategy to create new designs and new solutions in education, healthcare and cities. Our goal is to increase the happiness and wellbeing of our residents and to pioneer new solutions for the world."
Related Stories
BIM and Information Technology | Aug 17, 2015
Reimagined cursors can change digital imaging
A University of Montreal professor has developed a system that elevates 2D cursors for a 3D world.
BIM and Information Technology | Aug 6, 2015
After refueling its capital tank, WeWork acquires BIM consultant Case
The merger is expected to help standardize how WeWork designs and builds out office space.
Giants 400 | Aug 6, 2015
BIM GIANTS: Robotic reality capture, gaming systems, virtual reality—AEC Giants continue tech frenzy
Given their size, AEC Giants possess the resources and scale to research and test the bevy of software and hardware solutions on the market. Some have created internal innovation labs and fabrication shops to tinker with emerging technologies and create custom software tools. Others have formed R&D teams to test tech tools on the job site.
Smart Buildings | Aug 5, 2015
8 cities win Bloomberg's 'open data' award
The competition, called "What Works Cities," promotes innovation in city government by making the massive amounts of city operations data more publicly accessible to better improve issues like job creation, public health, and blight.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 5, 2015
FacadeRetrofit.org: A new database for tracking commercial and multifamily façade upgrades
The site allows users to submit information about new projects, or supplement information on those already posted.
BIM and Information Technology | Aug 4, 2015
Augmented reality app provides step-by-step help for repairing equipment
The developers of Remote AR have discovered a new application for AR technology that could apply to all types of industries, including commercial buildings.
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 29, 2015
Tenn. startup uses freeform 3D printer to build full-size walls
Branch Technology used the world’s largest freeform printer, one that has an arm that prints objects in open space, to make the lightweight yet incredibly sturdy lattice structures.
University Buildings | Jul 21, 2015
Maker spaces: Designing places to test, break, and rebuild
Gensler's Kenneth Fisher and Keller Roughton highlight recent maker space projects at MIT and the University of Nebraska that provide just the right mix of equipment, tools, spaces, and disciplines to spark innovation.
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 20, 2015
New stylus brings digital sketching to the next level
Without buttons, users can change the weight of the stylus’ stroke.
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 16, 2015
BIM for O+M: New app streamlines project documentation handover process
The Building Ops app enables owners to begin operations on the first day with a turnkey maintenance and asset management solution, according to its maker, Autodesk.