# Printed Retail Structures The RIBA Shanghai Windows Project Exhibits a 3D-Printed Custom Display By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-06-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/custom-display References: [3ders.org](http://www.3ders.org/articles/20150513-british-architects-create-stunning-3d-printed-window-installation-xintiandi-retail-shanghai.html) & [urban-systems-office](http://urban-systems-office.com/) As part of the [RIBA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/six-columns) Shanghai 2015 Windows Project, architecture firm [Urban Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/on-rotation1) created a custom display to show off some of the best features of [3D printing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archaeological-complex-of-carmona). For the event, Urban Systems partnered with PH7 in order to create the undulating shape of 'Urban Nature,' a structure that totally transforms the inside and outside of the retail space. This installation is set up in Xintiandi, Shanghai, an area of China that's known to be one of the most forward-thinking when it comes to design and shopping. Since customization is one of the most beautiful things about 3D-printing, this is an example of how valuable additive manufacturing will be for the future of retail display. Design solutions that are cost-effective, easy to prototype and remove will be a perfect fit for the retail industry. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Custom Retail Displays:** The use of 3D printing in creating customized retail displays offers cost-effective design solutions for the industry. - **Additive Manufacturing in Retail:** The use of additive manufacturing in creating retail structures offers the ability to cost-effectively prototype and easily remove designs. - **Innovative Retail Design:** The use of 3D printing in retail design presents opportunities for innovative and eye-catching displays. ### Where This Applies - **Retail:** The customization offered by additive manufacturing presents opportunities for cost-effective and innovative retail displays. - **Architecture:** Architecture firms can explore the use of 3D printing in creating unique custom installations for retail spaces. - **Manufacturing:** The use of additive manufacturing in retail structures presents opportunities for cost-effective and efficient manufacturing processes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dynamic Organic Store Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-manso.md) - [Futuristic Retail Kinetic Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retail-kinetic-display.md) - [3D-Printed Ceramic Home Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ceramic-house.md) - [Sustainable Retail Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sheep-inc-london.md) - [Modular Retail Frameworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/espacio-gdl-store.md) - [3D-Printed Tiled Ceramic Archways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/delft-blue.md) - [Irregular Pyramid-Shaped Retailers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-store.md) - [Modular Retail Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shift-space.md) - [Bio-Concrete Retail Screens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bioconcrete.md)