With the rise of additive manufacturing, Singapore has become a hub for 3D printing—now, there are even plans in progress for 3D-printed houses to be developed for the public.
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) created a concept for "LEGO-style" residence halls. While the entire project is not meant to rely solely on 3D printing, some of the major structural pieces of the building would be. There will be some obstacles involved in the development of these modular buildings, but NTU is a part of The Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, which recently received $150 million from the government to explore how 3D printing can be used to progress cities.
Cost often prohibits 3D printing projects from being executed on a large scale, but in Europe, there are already successful examples of 3D-printed architecture and engineering in community pavilions and steel bridges, which bodes well for Asia.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Rise of Additive Manufacturing
- Opportunity to explore how 3D printing can be used to progress cities and revolutionize construction.
- Modular Building
- Opportunity to develop innovative and cost-effective building solutions through 3D printing of major structural pieces.
- Successful Examples in Europe
- Opportunity for Asia to learn from and leverage the successful 3D-printed architecture and engineering projects in Europe.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Construction
- Disruption potential in revolutionizing the construction industry through the use of additive manufacturing and modular building techniques.
- 3D Printing
- Opportunity to explore new applications and advancements in 3D printing technology for large-scale projects like public housing.
- Engineering
- Opportunity for engineers to collaborate with 3D printing experts to design and construct innovative structures and buildings.
