Dubai: The world's first office building constructed using 3-D printer is set to come up in Dubai as part of a drive to develop technology that would cut costs and save time. "The UAE aims to deploy the latest technologies to improve people's lives and to develop its economy," said Mohamed Al Gergawi, the UAE's Minister of Cabinet Affairs.
The building is the result of a partnership between Dubai and WinSun Global along with leading global architecture and engineering firms Gensler, Thornton Thomasetti, and Syska Hennessy. The Office will be approximately 2,000 square feet in size and will be printed layer-by-layer using a 20-foot tall 3-D printer, then assembled on site in Dubai in just a few weeks.
Dubai announces world’s first #3Dprinted office building http://t.co/UtVPdXsbKK This might be a tipping point. pic.twitter.com/XPZo13mZBj
— SingularityU (@singularityu) July 1, 2015"The idea of 3-D printing buildings was once a dream, but today it has become a reality. This building will be a testimony to the efficiency and creativity of 3-D printing technology, which we believe will play a major role in reshaping construction and design sectors," Al Gergawi added.
This is the first step of many more to come, he said. Experts estimate that 3-D printing technology can reduce the production time of buildings by 50 to 70 per cent, reduce labour costs by 50 to 80 per cent, and can save between 30 and 60 per cent of construction waste. The project is the first major initiative of the 'Museum of the Future', launched earlier this year by Shaikh Mohammad.
Located at a busy intersection in the heart of Dubai, the Office is designed to bring together different professionals, community members, and experts through a mix of public events. It will also feature a small digital fabrication facility and a 3-D printing exhibition space.
