Technology pundits have pushed the benefits of 3D printing and additive manufacturing for years, but outside of a few pilot projects, the technology has remained more concept than reality for the AEC industry.
The Office of the Future in Dubai represents the most audacious project to date. Dedicated in May 2016, the 2,600-sf, fully functioning office building kicked off Dubai’s strategy to make the city a 3D printing hub by 2030.
The global Building Team (Dubai, China, Chicago, and New York) had to produce a code-compliant structure that accommodated key building systems: plumbing, electric, HVAC, and telecommunications. Among the team’s innovations: the design of MEP infrastructure cavities that doubled as reinforcement for the core structure.
The building took only 17 days to print and two days to assemble on the job site. The team says the 3D-printing process reduced labor costs by 80% and construction waste by 60%.
Building Team – Submitting firm, MEP engineer Syska Hennessy Group Owner Dubai Future Foundation Architects Gensler, Killa Design Structural engineer Thornton Tomasetti Contractor China State Construction Construction manager Projex
General Information – Size 2,600 sf Construction cost Withheld at owner’s request Construction time February 2016 to May 2016 Delivery method Design-build
Related Stories
Building Team Awards | Jun 8, 2017
Narrow site, broad vision: LA Metro Light Rail Operations & Maintenance Facility
Gold Award: A slender building site had direct implications for the design of this light-rail facility.
Building Team Awards | Jun 8, 2017
Missing link: Denver International Airport and Transit Center
Gold Award: A new mixed-use transit center fulfills Denver’s 28-year plan to improve access to the nation’s fifth-busiest airport.
Building Team Awards | Jun 7, 2017
Rising above adversity: National Museum of African American History and Culture
Gold Award: The Smithsonian Institution’s newest museum is a story of historical and construction resolve.
Building Team Awards | Jun 7, 2017
Justice league: United States courthouse
Gold Award: The Building Team for L.A.’s newest courthouse went way beyond what was expected.
Building Team Awards | Jun 7, 2017
Blurring the lines: University of Chicago North Residential Commons
Gold Award: The University of Chicago’s new Residential Commons is part campus, part community.
Building Team Awards | Jun 7, 2017
Rebuilding to heal: Sandy Hook Elementary School
Gold Award: Community involvement was paramount as Newtown, Conn., replaced the school where a mass shooting occurred.
Building Team Awards | Jun 6, 2017
Nerves of steel: 150 North Riverside
Platinum Award: It took guts for a developer and its Building Team to take on a site others had shunned for most of a century.
Building Team Awards | Jun 1, 2016
Multifamily tower and office building revitalize Philadelphia cathedral
The Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral capitalizes on hot property to help fund much needed upgrades and programs.
Building Team Awards | Jun 1, 2016
Central utility power plant takes center stage at UC San Diego Jacobs Medical Center
An undulating roof, floor-to-ceiling glass, and façade scheme give visual appeal to a plant that serves the 10-story medical center.
Building Team Awards | May 31, 2016
Gonzaga's new student center is a bustling social hub
Retail mall features, comfortable furniture, and floor-to-ceiling glass add vibrancy to the new John J. Hemmingson Center.
