# 3D-Printed Desert Tower The Sand Babel Earns Honorable Mention in 2014 Skyscraper Competition By Meghan Young | Published 2014-03-27 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sand-babel References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/3028109/this-3-d-printed-desert-tower-is-made-of-sand) & [evolo.us](http://www.evolo.us/competition/sand-babel-solar-powered-3d-printed-tower/) If Sand Babel received an honorable mention in eVolo magazine's 2014 Skyscraper Competition, a contest recognizing novel ideas for [vertical living](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muraba-veil), then the winner must have been spectacular. The spiralling desert tower is a sight for sore eyes as well as the environmentally conscious mind. Conceived by Chinese designers Qiu Song, Kang Pengfei, Bai Ying, Ren Nuoya, and Guo Shen, Sand Babel is envisioned as being built using a [solar-powered 3-D printer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qr3d) out of the sands that surround it, hence its name. The shape of the [scientific research facility](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/al-ain-museum) is inspired by the look of a mushroom rock, a naturally occurring desert rock formation. Extending below ground like the roots of a tree, Sand Babel would offer both living and work spaces. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 83% | Activity: 82% | 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) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Vertical Living:** The concept of building tall structures for residential and work spaces opens up new opportunities for urban development and resource optimization. - **3D Printing:** The use of 3D printing technology to construct buildings in a sustainable and cost-effective manner revolutionizes the construction industry. - **Environmental Consciousness:** The integration of eco-friendly design principles and renewable energy sources in architectural projects promotes sustainable development and reduces the carbon footprint. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Architects and urban planners can explore innovative designs and construction methods to create sustainable and efficient tall structures. - **Construction:** Construction companies can adopt 3D printing technology to streamline the building process and minimize waste. - **Renewable Energy:** The development of solar-powered structures offers opportunities for renewable energy companies to collaborate with architects and developers in creating self-sufficient buildings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Rain-Collecting Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bpas-architects.md) - [3D-Printed Tall Concrete Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-tor-alva.md) - [Greenery-Filled Skyscraper Terrarium](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terrarium-cheongdam.md) - [Vaulted Pink Complexes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/babel-housing-mexico.md) - [3D-Printed Ceramic Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terramound.md) - [White 3D-Printed Tower Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tor-alva.md) - [Ski Resort Crystalline Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trojena-ski-resort.md) - [3D-Printed Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-hotel.md) - [Stacked Pebble-Inspired Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calais-port-tower.md)