# 3D-Printed Rock Installations This Piece is Made from Recycled Concrete-Like Stones Held by String By Cadhla Gray | Published 2015-10-12 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-rock References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/3051915/a-rock-installation-tediously-constructed-by-a-robotic-arm?partner=rss) & [inverse](https://www.inverse.com/article/6874-mit-s-3d-printed-sculpture-is-just-a-pile-of-rocks-and-string) This rock installation aims to show the potential capabilities of [3D-printing in architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-tor-alva). Showcased at the Chicago Architecture Biennial, the rock pile is held together only by string, formed entirely by a robotic arm. The giant rock formation is 13 feet high and made up of loose recyclable "rocks," made from heated and expanded crushed glass. A 3D-printer was implanted with an algorithm so that it would strategically wind the string in a pattern to hold the stones together. The string, made from [recycled textiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ruffini), measures almost five miles long. This structure would have been a painstakingly time-consuming and difficult process for humans. However, with a 3D-printer, this recyclable tower could be produced for any building, structure or park easily and efficiently. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sustainable 3D Printing:** The use of recycled materials and algorithms in the 3D printing process to create sustainable structures like the rock installation. - **Robotic Architecture:** The use of robotics in the architectural industry to create efficient building processes, like the robotic arm used to create the installation. - **Artificial Intelligence in Construction:** The use of AI algorithms to program robotic systems in construction projects, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Construction:** Incorporating 3D printing technology to create sustainable, efficient building processes and structures like the rock installation for buildings, parks, and public spaces. - **Architecture:** Exploring new materials and technology, such as 3D printing and robotics, to create innovative, sustainable structures and designs like the rock installation. - **Waste Management:** The repurposing of waste materials, such as crushed glass, and recycling textiles, can create innovative and sustainable building materials for structures made through 3D printing processes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fully Recyclable 3D-Printed Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biohome3d.md) - [3D-Printed Tiled Ceramic Archways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/delft-blue.md) - [Organically Printed Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lib-earth-house.md) - [3D-Printed Fire Pits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-fire-pit.md) - [3D-Printed Quartz Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ozruh.md) - [3D-Printed Ceramic Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terramound.md) - [Playful Outdoor Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-new-raw-1.md) - [3D-Printed Neighborhood Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wolf-ranch.md) - [Monumental Air Installation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iwagumi-air-scape.md)