One technological innovation that is changing the outlook of architecture and construction is 3D printing, which, with further advances, will likely result in reductions in both project costs and their ecological footprint. Until recently, 3D printing was reserved for small-scale models and prototypes. Today, apartments, office buildings, bridges, and other facilities are being constructed using this method.
With the ability to reduce the time to produce components in hours, instead of weeks or months, 3D printing reduces the time required to deliver a project. In China, a ten-building office complex was completed in one day. In Amsterdam, an architecture firm is printing a house over a canal; it is being used as an open exhibit for visitors to learn about 3D-printed construction. There is less construction waste, because materials can be reused.
3D Revit images prepared by BR&P
Soon, 3D printing could revolutionize the entire building enterprise – from design, to construction, to reconstruction. Affordable, ecological housing can easily be produced; and refugee and recovery habitation could be constructed using local materials for printing. Extreme customization options give architects and their clients more freedom than ever to create inexpensive yet tailor-made designs.
3D Revit image prepared by BR&P
For the past 10 years BR&P has used Revit, Autodesk’s Building Information Modeling (BIM) application, to design and detail our architecture and structural engineering projects. Every BR&P BIM model contains a database that can be read by 3D printing software. We are preparing for widespread implementation of this innovation, as well as other innovations that add value for our clients and collaborators.
If you have a project that requires innovative thinking, call us at 417-865-6100, or visit our website: www.brpae.com.