Dubai Will Construct a Whole Building Using a 3-D Printer

by Monica Joshi

3-D printing has become the next new child's toy that has numerous medical, architectural and biological functions. From steel bridges, to rhino horns, to a vertebral implant, we've 3D-printed it all. And yet, we crave more. Well, at least Dubai does, as they storm ahead in their architectural adventures by creating a fully functional, 3-D printed building.

The flashy city has already beaten world records for the tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, and it wants to break other records as well.

UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and UAE National Innovation Committee Chairman Mohammed Al Gergawi said in an official statement:

“This building will be a testimony to the efficiency and creativity of 3D printing technology, which we believe will play a major role in reshaping construction and design sectors. We aim to take advantage of this growth by becoming a global hub for innovation and 3D printing. This is the first step of many more to come.”

With the gloried plans for a "Museum of the Future", the $136 million project is expected to open in 2017. The building is set to be a museum that will showcase innovations in design and technology.

Emirati Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed al-Gergawi told reporters that it will focus on new and exciting innovations in fields such as transportation, health and education. As a joint venture between Chinese 3D printing technology firm WinSun, global architecture and engineering firms and international investors, this remarkable project marks the first major initiative of the Museum of the Future.

The curving, oblong, and futuristic building will even feature poetry written by the Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the Emirati prime minister.

Al-Gergawi said the museum aims to change its exhibits every six months to keep pace with changing technology, with a goal "to always be 10 years ahead of today."

Using a 20-foot-tall 3D printer, the building’s parts will be printed in successive layers and assembled on site. The whole production could take only weeks, leaving it open for decoration. Only successful, highly optimistic and extremely fast interior decorators need apply as the impressive construction isn’t just stopping there, however. All interior décor and furniture will also be 3D printed.

The building will be approximately 2,000 square feet in size, making it the largest, most advanced 3D-printed building yet.

Next in the crazy world of Dubai's architectural innovations: perhaps a flying building should be in the works?

Photo Credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images