# Complex 3D-Printed Facades ETH Zurich's Metal Work is Sculpture-Like and Super Detail-Oriented By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-06-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-facade References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/06/22/eth-zurich-metal-facade-3d-printing-mould-technology/) & [ethz.ch](https://www.ethz.ch/de.html) Students from [ETH Zurich](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contoured-ceiling) create a beautiful and intricate 3D-printed facade from metal, cast in digitally fabricated molds. The sculpture-like structure is comprised out of aluminum, is six meters in height and was developed during a class in Architecture and Digital Fabrication. The creators named it 'Deep Facade.' With an aesthetic, guided by the interconnectivity between "ribbons of metal [that are] looped in an organic fashion," the structure is reminiscent of intricate neuron functions. The 3D-printed facade is definitely a pioneering effort that further solidifies the direction the industry is taking. With the convenience of the production method and the preservation of resources, the students from ETH Zurich aim to display how "3D printing can be used to create [bespoke metal building materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exp-building)." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 71% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **3D Printing in Architecture:** The use of 3D printing in architecture opens up opportunities for intricate and highly customized building materials. - **Digital Fabrication Techniques:** The application of digital fabrication techniques enables the creation of complex and detailed structures with greater precision. - **Sustainable Building Materials:** The development of 3D-printed metal building materials promotes resource conservation and reduces waste in construction. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** Architects can explore the potential of 3D printing technology to create unique and visually stunning facades. - **Construction:** The construction industry can adopt digital fabrication techniques to enhance the efficiency and precision of building processes. - **Materials Science:** Researchers in materials science can focus on developing sustainable metal alloys suitable for 3D printing, revolutionizing building materials. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D-Printed Tiled Ceramic Archways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/delft-blue.md) - [Preserved Townhome Concrete Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rieder.md) - [Energy-Saving Artistically Contoured Ceilings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contoured-ceiling.md) - [3D-Printed Wooden Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/econitwood.md) - [Unique 3D Printing Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-church.md) - [Concrete Spiral Staircase Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cadenza.md) - [3D-Printed Tall Concrete Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-tor-alva.md) - [White 3D-Printed Tower Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tor-alva.md) - [3D-Printed Neighborhood Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wolf-ranch.md)