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Arch-Vision, 3D printing ready to revolutionize the building materials industry
According to a market survey conducted by Arch-Vision, a growing number of European architects are ready to bet on the influence of 3D printing on the Construction&Building Materials industry. 10 houses were successfully constructed in just 24 hours in China.
A recent market survey by Arch-Vision, a research institute based in Rotterdam (The Netherlands), revealed that in 2014 more and more European architects are confident in the significant influence that 3D printing will have on building materials production and building construction.
The research, titled "Q2 2014 European Barometer report" and focused on the topic of architectural design and technology trends, analyzed the responses of about 1,600 architects across Europe, which serve as both an authoritative source of information on future buildings and as a balance with regards to projects and materials to realize and use, respectively.
In countries such as China, the United States and the Netherlands, there would already be many architects ready to compete in order to become pioneers in the realization of the first building ever created by using 3D printing.
An idea that only two years ago would dwarf the greatest archi-stars around the world for its vanguard and innovation, though today just a few steps seem to separate the technology of the future from its actual realization.
An engineering company based in Shanghai (China) has announced that in April 2014 about 10 houses were successfully constructed in just 24 hours, reducing construction costs through materials recycling and related labor costs, by printing each house for less than $ 5,000.
Unexpectedly, Italian and Spanish architects, which some time ago occupied the last positions in Europe for construction industry growth, are reported to be more confident with respect to this new solution for the building industry.
British and German architects, on the other side, though benefitting from an annual growth rate around 2% for national construction industry, however proved to be less confident about the development of this ultimate technology applied to construction and materials.
Efforts towards 3D printing have just started and it is still difficult to estimate its turning point in the future.
What is certain is that, through 3D printing, many of the requirements currently indispensable for the construction industry could be satisfied by ensuring the best quality-price relation, sustainable buildings and a fast and increasingly personalized architecture.
As for the role of building materials manufacturers, the question about their role in the whole process still remains unanswered. For them, the monitoring of developments in this area in the coming years will be crucial.
The research, titled "Q2 2014 European Barometer report" and focused on the topic of architectural design and technology trends, analyzed the responses of about 1,600 architects across Europe, which serve as both an authoritative source of information on future buildings and as a balance with regards to projects and materials to realize and use, respectively.
In countries such as China, the United States and the Netherlands, there would already be many architects ready to compete in order to become pioneers in the realization of the first building ever created by using 3D printing.
An idea that only two years ago would dwarf the greatest archi-stars around the world for its vanguard and innovation, though today just a few steps seem to separate the technology of the future from its actual realization.
An engineering company based in Shanghai (China) has announced that in April 2014 about 10 houses were successfully constructed in just 24 hours, reducing construction costs through materials recycling and related labor costs, by printing each house for less than $ 5,000.
Unexpectedly, Italian and Spanish architects, which some time ago occupied the last positions in Europe for construction industry growth, are reported to be more confident with respect to this new solution for the building industry.
British and German architects, on the other side, though benefitting from an annual growth rate around 2% for national construction industry, however proved to be less confident about the development of this ultimate technology applied to construction and materials.
Efforts towards 3D printing have just started and it is still difficult to estimate its turning point in the future.
What is certain is that, through 3D printing, many of the requirements currently indispensable for the construction industry could be satisfied by ensuring the best quality-price relation, sustainable buildings and a fast and increasingly personalized architecture.
As for the role of building materials manufacturers, the question about their role in the whole process still remains unanswered. For them, the monitoring of developments in this area in the coming years will be crucial.
