# Printed Architectural Sundials Arup's 3D-Printed Outdoor Sundial Morphs with New Solar Data By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-05-17 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/outdoor-sundial References: [3ders.org](http://www.3ders.org/articles/20160515-stunning-3d-printed-sundial-changes-shape-with-solar-data.html) & [arup](http://www.arup.com/) Outdoor sundials are an ancient method of telling time, but global engineering firm Arup has found a way to make the technology feel fresh again with [3D printing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maze-lamp). Arup's 'Sundial by Prescription' takes inspiration from a design created in collaboration with the urban and architectural designers from Prescription. The design was created specifically for Amsterdam and unlike a traditional sundial that only has one upright element, this concept boasts a [fan-like form](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moov-and-coo) that resembles a blossoming flower. While small-scale sundials are suited to tracking the hourly positions of the sun, with incoming data from the sun, this [dynamic structure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transmutation-observatory) from Arup and Prescription is able to take on new shapes based on the sun's position during a certain part of the year. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 6% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **3d-printed Sundials:** The use of 3D printing technology is revitalizing the traditional concept of outdoor sundials. - **Dynamic Structural Design:** Designs that can adapt and change based on external factors, such as the position of the sun, are becoming more popular in architecture and engineering. - **Data-driven Timekeeping:** The integration of real-time data allows for more accurate and interactive timekeeping methods, as demonstrated by the Arup and Prescription collaboration. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Architects can explore the use of 3D printing and dynamic designs to create innovative structures that respond to environmental changes. - **Engineering:** Engineers can leverage data-driven technologies to develop adaptive solutions for various industries, such as energy efficiency or transportation. - **Urban Design:** Urban planners and designers can incorporate data-driven timekeeping elements, like the dynamic sundial, into public spaces for both functional and aesthetic purposes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Snow Landscape Sundial Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-time.md) - [Orbital Timepiece Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radius-clock.md) - [3D-Printed Tiled Ceramic Archways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/delft-blue.md) - [3D-Printed Canopy Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archaeological-complex-of-carmona.md) - [3D Printed Solar Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zimple.md) - [Dynamic Shadow Wall Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/textural-wall-clock.md) - [Rotating Solar-Powered Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-solarpowered-bench-that-spins-ever-so-slowly.md) - [Rotating Solar Powered Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eness-1.md) - [3D-Printed Ceramic Home Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ceramic-house.md)