This Office Building In Dubai Was Made ENTIRELY By 3D Printers
There’s a new office in Dubai, but unlike any other in the world, this one was completely created by 3D printers.
Located inside Dubai’s Emirates Towers complex and temporarily home of the Dubai Future Foundation, the approximately 2,600-square-foot, single-story building was made using Chinese company WinSun’s tilt-up technology, which created the floor, walls and ceiling on their sides layer by layer before being titled vertically.
The 3D printer used to print the building measures 20 feet high, 120 feet long and 40 feet wide with an automated robotic arm. Additional mobile printers and advanced computers were also used to ensure quality control, facilitate the printing processes and manage proper ｅxecution of the project.
The full model only took 17 days to print and the office, which comes fully equipped with key services like electricity, water, telecommunications, air-conditioning and innovative features to reduce energy consumption, was installed on-site within two days. Thanks to minimal labor and costs involved in the construction process, the building cost just $140,000 to assemble.
“It’s not just a building, it has fully functional offices and staff,” said Mohamed Al Gergawi, the United Arab Emirates minister of cabinet affairs.
The 3D-printed building will become the permanent home of the Museum of the Future next year. But by the looks of it, the future is now.
Vocabulary Words:
1. Approximately - (adv.) used to show that something is almost, but not completely, accurate or correct
2. Automate - (verb) to use machines and computers instead of people to do a job or task
3. Ensure - (verb) to make sure that something happens or is definite
4. Innovative - (adj.) introducing or using new ideas, ways of doing something, etc.
5. On-site - (adv. or adj.) taking place or situated on a particular site or premises.
6. Minimal - (adj.) very small in size or amount as small as possible
7. Assemble - (verb) to come together as a group to bring people or things together as a group
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think about 3D printing technology?
2. Do you think buildings created by 3D printing are stable and safe? Why?
3. In your opinion, should people use things created by 3D printers?
4. If you own a 3D printer, what would you create with it and why?
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of 3D printer created things?
