How 3D Printing Is Changing Architecture as We Know It in Dubai

Groundbreaking. Futuristic. Inventive. 

These are the words frequently used to describe Dubai architecture. Since the opening of the World Trade Center in 1979, there has been a stream of incredible projects that have caught the world’s attention. Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Marina are some of the most iconic developments on the planet, and they are all here in Dubai.

So what next? This is not a city that sits still. There are more exciting visions on the horizon, such as Aladdin City and the Dubai Eye. Of course, Dubai is still thinking big. But the city’s long-term visions for the future lie not so much in what to build, but how to build it. 

The Future is 3D Printed

At the end of 2019, Dubai grabbed the world’s attention with another first. This time it was for the world’s largest two-story 3D printed building. The office building stands at 9.5 meters (31.16 feet) tall with an area of nearly 641.031 square meters (6,900 square feet). 

What makes it so special is its efficiency.  The building was constructed in just a few months using an onsite crane-mounted 3D printer. Less than 20 workers were required. And it is said to have produced less than 60% of the waste produced with traditional construction. As such, it represents a major turning point in architecture and construction in Dubai. 

How will Dubai’s future projects be following in its footsteps?  

The Vision

Back in 2016, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the “Dubai 3D Printing Strategy.” This included the emirate’s public commitment to ensuring that 25% of Dubai buildings are 3D printed by 2030. 

At the time, he stated, “The future will depend on 3D printing technologies in all aspects of our life, starting from houses we live in, the streets we use, the cars we drive, the clothes we wear and the food we eat.”

What was the reasoning behind this bold statement? And why print buildings?

Why 3D Print Buildings?

There are several convincing arguments for opting to 3D-print buildings.

• It’s a Surprisingly Simple and Fast Method of Construction

3D printing a building is pretty straightforward. The method, the same as 3D printing for all applications, involves printing layer upon layer of material. Many small items like medical implants and automobile parts are 3D printed. Constructing a building uses the same method, just on a larger scale. The only difference is the material used: concrete instead of plastic. 

A building is first designed using specialist software. The blueprint is then sent to the printer who uses a crane-mounted robotic arm to create the building layer by layer following software instructions. Some 3D-printed buildings will be constructed entirely onsite; others in large parts in a factory environment which can be transported and then assembled.  

3D printing is far more simple than traditional construction,  which traditionally requires many more people with a variety of skills, more types of machinery, and more raw materials. It is also hoped that the construction of 3D printed buildings will take just 10% of the time allowed for conventional construction methods. 

• Its Simplicity Means It Is Cost-effective

For the same reasons above, it is cost-efficient to 3D-print a building. Labor costs are reduced since the process is highly automated. A project may require very little low-skilled labor. Equipment and plant costs can also be reduced. 

Aside from improving profit margins in the construction industry as a whole in Dubai, the technology may prove a particular boost to other global communities in need of more affordable housing or those that have suffered natural disasters. 

• It’s Greener

Because 3D printing is an additive process, there is very little waste. The reduction in wasted raw materials is a step in the right direction towards a better future for our planet; so, too, is the shorter construction period. It is also possible to power 3D printers for construction using solar, wind or hydro-power. All in all, it’s a greener option.

• It Opens Opportunities for Innovation in Architecture

This new construction method also opens up exciting new opportunities for innovation and exploration in the architectural world. This technology removes some of the technical and structural impediments faced by architects. For example, unusual shapes can be easily created using the technology. 

As this technology becomes more advanced, its applications will also increase. There’s even talk of 3D printing buildings for Mars.  

Dubai at the Forefront

There are more plans for 3D-printed construction in Dubai, including more office buildings and both commercial and residential buildings. But it isn’t just the Dubai real estate industry that is benefitting from the emirates from emirate’s attention to 3D printing technology. 

Investment in the 3D Printing Strategy has pushed the Emirate to the forefront of a global wave of innovation. It is now firmly sitting as a global hub for research and development in this area. 

The aim is to “provide the best opportunities for innovation and optimal application of this technology worldwide. Our goal is to raise the level of services provided to the people and harness 3D printing for the benefit of the entire community.” 

All Dubai residents will shortly be feeling the positive impact of 3D printed products in some capacity. As a result of continued interest and investment, 3D printing services in the city now offer their technology to partner with entrepreneurs and companies from a variety of fields. 

Innovations in 3D printing technology now mean affordable and high-quality services can produce a range of products including:

• Prototypes across a vast range of industries
• Architectural model making including city models in incredible detail
• Fine jewelry and wearable accessories
• Medical applications, such as surgical implants, replacement limbs, hearing aids, and anatomical models
•  Mechanical components for use in the automotive, defense and aerospace fields

As in architecture, 3D printing is only just beginning to unleash its potential across a huge variety of applications, products, and industries. 

We can be certain, however, that the technology is going to be highly impactful in Dubai and elsewhere, and that many exciting 3D-printed projects will follow. 

AUTHOR BIO

Tiago Jeronimo is the Marketing Manager at Inventive 3D Solutions, a full-service architectural scale model making company. Beginning with 2D and 3D architectural drawings, the company incorporates state-of-the-art SLA 3D printing to best construct your design. Innovative 3D specializes in architectural models, including towers, corporate campuses, sites, and educational models. They also specialize in stadiums, full-fledged city models, and industrial models for trade shows.